Schools and Education - Centralmaine.com

Messalonskee graduates thank mentors, hope to make them proud

Alexis Palleschi, salutatorian, said the best way to thank them is to take what they’ve given the graduates, and go even further.

The 124 members of the class of 2018 who received their diplomas heard their mentors implore them to stick to their core values.

The $8.1 million renovation bond would fund the closure of the junior high school and renovation of the elementary and high schools.

More than 130 students graduated Thursday night, with student speakers telling their peers to make the world a better place.

“You’ve all grown because of the person sitting next you,” student speaker Natalie Greene said at Wednesday’s commencement at Colby College.

The proposed school budget is roughly $327,000 more than the current one, representing a 1.25 percent increase.

The school budget is up by $1,347,294 or 3.72 percent from the current fiscal year.

The Town Council approved the budget proposal in a 4-2 vote on Monday night ahead of a vote at next week’s election.

Increases to funding for schools and the town spark lengthy discussion at annual Town Meeting on Monday.

Councilors also passed a $11.78 million school budget proposal on Monday night, ahead of a referendum vote next week.