POLAND — It had been expected that the RSU 16 school committee would be able to take action on a plan to deal with the $319,500 reduction in state aid at Monday night’s meeting, however difficulties forced a delay.

Key to the plan on the table was an agreement sought whereby every district employee would take an income reduction equivalent to four days’ pay.

The pay reduction would be due to four furlough days, which would be taken on days currently scheduled for staff workshops, so as not to directly cut student class time.

The furlough days would save the district an estimated $175,000, and was key to reducing the $319,500 budget shortfall.

At the school committee meeting, board Chairman David Griffiths announced that earlier in the afternoon a glitch had developed, necessitating that the matter be returned to the RSU 16 Education Association — which encompasses all faculty and staff except for bus drivers — for a second vote.

School officials could not comment on what the glitch might be, however, they are optimistic that it can be resolved.

If the furlough days are not approved by school staff, the school committee will act on
a reduction-in-force plan that would eliminate about 16 positions.

Griffiths said he expected that employees of the district’s five schools would vote this Friday, and he hoped that the school board would be able to take action as early as next Monday at a special school board meeting.