LIVERMORE FALLS – “If the Palesky proposal passes in November, it is very likely that, in March, we will have to shorten the school year and let the staff go,” Superintendent Terry Despres told the SAD 36 Board of Directors on Thursday night.

“I am very fearful of what is ahead,” he said, as he explained that buildings must be heated, supplies have already been purchased, there are no other cuts to fall back on except payroll.

“If we have a $500,000 cut, it will be from the superintendent all the way down. Whatever change, it has to happen to everybody. Schools cannot end the year in the red.”

Despres was quick to admit that taxes are too high, but explained that this is not the way to lower them. “The Legislature must act, they must come up with a mix of taxes which is acceptable.”

He said the state faces a major crisis and there is nothing in place to fix it. He placed the blame on the legislative body that could have acted but did not.

“We have a paralyzed legislative body,” he said.

Despres saw little hope in the new Legislature, either, which will be reluctant to overturn a referendum as the voice of the people and would probably act only by calling for another referendum next November.

“We need to educate our public,” he stressed to his board. “In the last survey, 72 percent of voters supported the Palesky proposal. We have fewer than 90 days to turn it around.”

In other business, Despres distributed copies of the SAD 36 Student Handbook, a new publication that will give parents one book for all three buildings.

He commended members of the Policy Committee and principals for their hard work on the book which, he said, will continue to be edited as changes are made in board policies.

He also announced the opening day agenda for all staff on Aug. 30. Coffee and snacks will be served in the high school cafeteria at 7:30 a.m. followed by a welcome from him at 8.

Building-based meetings will begin at 8:46 a.m. followed by lunch. In-room preparation will be at 12:45 p.m. with the education association to meet at 1:30. The day will close with a social time at Sue St. Pierre’s home at 2:30 p.m.