LIVERMORE FALLS – SAD 36 Superintendent Terry Despres has instituted a district-wide freeze on all spending other than emergency expenditures specified by him.

Despres announced the freeze at Thursday’s board meeting, explaining to directors that the action was necessary due to potential cash flow problems.

“We have serious concern for future budgets with state revenues unknown at this time,” he said. Despres added that building a reserve will assist the district in maintaining future programs.

Despres shared his concern about the 1-A question with the board, noting that the earliest referendum would be in June and schools have to pass their budgets before then.

With that scenario, the district will have to plan the

2004-05 budget without knowing what it will receive for state support. He anticipates a reduction in next year’s support from the state, and that would affect more than 100 schools.

With Livermore Falls listed as eighth in the state on property tax assessment,

Despres stressed, “We need to reserve as many dollars as possible so we don’t decimate programs.”

He said there are three ways the situation could go: a compromise between the governor and Legislature, the referendum, or no solution. “The public has spoken: we want something done,” he noted.

“Compromise is the best solution for all involved,” Despres said. “Compromise makes sense, it’s the art of good statesmanship. Budget building by referendum is a total disaster.”

Because the state is the primary funding source, Despres says there is no sense getting into budget development until February.

The superintendent also stressed the need to move into an aggressive regionalization. “We need a clear regionalization plan for services which are duplicated.”

He has scheduled a joint meeting of the school board with the towns’ boards on Dec. 4 to begin that discussion.

Red Groomes was appointed as custodian/bus driver with responsibility at the Cedar Street facility, Darren Akerman was named as district tech support and Cindy Crabtree was named to the two-year kindergarten program.

Also approved for Adult Education positions: Cindy Heikkinen for Adult Basic Education math/reading instructor, Linda Brackett as administrative assistant, Carrie Castonguay as ABE coordinator, and Barbara Purington as ITV supervisor and ABE math instructor.

The board reviewed the proposed policy on community use of school facilities/grounds and suggested changes to be made before it is voted on at the Dec. 11 meeting.

He stressed that the policy will include no fee structure. Only for-profit groups that will be charged a fee. “We had no intention to establish fees for school and community non-profits,” he said.

Need for the policy was driven by lack of one that had liability coverage. Included in the minutes will be the board’s intent to allow Area Youth Sports to use school facilities with their own custodial efforts.

The Chrome Cleat football game during Thanksgiving recess will be required to abide by the policy.

The board will meet in special session at 7 p.m. Thursday to authorize the superintendent to complete banking transactions as guided by federal tax codes.

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