School funding

Issue: Given the likelihood that the School Department will receive about $158,000 more in state aid to education than was figured on March 3 when town meeting voters approved the budget for 2007-08 school year, should the town reconsider the budget?

The scoop: The $3.7 million budget town meeting voters approved includes a commitment for the town to raise about $557,000 more than it has to in order to qualify for its maximum share of state aid. By reconsidering the school budget and factoring in additional state aid, the town could decrease the amount of money it has to raise accordingly. The intent of the state aid to education money is to reduce local property taxes and by factoring in this additional money, the town could reduce its tax rate by at least 1 mill.

Up next: School Committee Chairman Lisa Sabatine will meet with selectmen to discuss options.

Kindergarten registration

The scoop: May 7 is the day to register children who intend to enter kindergarten at the Minot Consolidated School in September. For an appointment, call the school at 346-6471 and ask for Janet Wilkinson.

Student health

Issue: The effect of health habits on the intellectual development of children.

The scoop: The school committee gave final approval to a student wellness policy that sets goals for the nutritional content of food served at the school and for students’ physical activity. The policy is based on the premise that students, properly fed and in good physical condition, will be good learners.

Principal contract

The scoop: The school committee approved a 3-year extension to Minot Consolidated School Principal Margaret Pitts’ contract, which now runs until June 30, 2010.

– Winslow Durgin