School Superintendent Mark Eastman told parents at a meeting in the West Paris Elementary School on Tuesday night that “drastic measures” must be taken to meet upcoming budget deficits. 

WEST PARIS — Parents were told Tuesday night that if fifth- and sixth-graders from West Paris and Hebron are moved to the Paris Elementary School next fall, they and students will have an orientation beforehand.

“We want a step-up day,” Oxford Hills School District Superintendent Mark Eastman told about 50 parents at one of three district-wide forums. The sessions are to talk about proposed changes in light of a $2.2 million shortfall in the 2010-11 fiscal year that begins  July 1.

“I’ve had different reactions from different kids. They’re talking about it,” said West Paris Elementary School Principal Melanie Ellsworth of the proposed move. 

The relocation of fifth- and sixth-graders to Paris, and others at Waterford and Harrison schools to Rowe Elementary School in Norway, and others at Otisfield to Oxford Elementary School, is one of the proposals to cover the deficit.

If the students are moved, Rowe, Oxford and Paris elementary schools will retain a principal while the other elementary schools will have assistant principals.

The plan, which must be approved by school directors, is one of many ideas they will consider, including cutting budgets for maintenance, central administration, athletic programs and teachers.

“To me, this is more about keeping your schools open,” said Eastman, who stressed the need to have approaches that will see the district through tough budget times for years to come.

“How can we restructure strategically so we can get some savings and have these savings multiply in years?” he asked.

Eastman admitted that “drastic” cuts have to happen to make up for the reductions which next year are equivalent to the entire cost of operating Waterford, Otisfield, West Paris and Hebron elementary schools. He said the district expects to lose another $2 million in state funding in 2011-12.

On Thursday, Eastman will address parents from Otisfield and Oxford at the Otisfield Elementary School beginning at 7 p.m. He is encouraging any parent to contact him with questions or if they have other ideas on how to make cuts.

[email protected]