WOODSTOCK — SAD 44 residents will hear about anticipated losses in federal and state education funds and discuss the future of the Woodstock and Andover elementary schools at a meeting Monday.

The school board meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Woodstock Elementary School.

Superintendent David Murphy said he will provide information on anticipated reductions in state and federal education monies, which he estimated to be about $600,000. He will also talk about the potential savings if either Andover of Woodstock schools, or both, are closed. The costs for the towns to retain their schools will also be unveiled.

“We want to get all the numbers out there. We want people to come out to the meeting,” he said Thursday afternoon.

He said he expects a budget gap of between $800,000 and $1 million, because of the expected loss of aid and the increase in fixed costs such as negotiated salaries and utility expenses.

The current year’s budget is about $9 million, down from $10.3 million just a couple of years ago. The lower budget also resulted in the loss of more than a dozen jobs during the current fiscal year.

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The current districtwide student enrollment is about 880, a number that has declined slightly during the past few years.

The Woodstock school was built in 1987, and currently houses about 75 K-5 children. The Andover school was originally the town’s high school and has an enrollment of about 30 K-5 youngsters. It was built during the early 20th century.

The Facilities and Ancillary Services Committee of the board has been discussing the costs and possible futures of the two schools for more than a year.

Murphy said Monday’s overview is one of several informational presentations that will be made as the district enters its annual budget development process.

“We want enough time to get the information out to people as clearly as possible,” he said.

eadams@sunjournal.com


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