RSU 16 is a struggling community

The budget for RSU 16 has been defeated twice.

Salary and benefit increases are put before student programs. Some Regional School Units have not equalized salaries and benefits or cut programs. State law mandates only that the same rights, procedures, etc., be in one contract.

RSU 16 salaries are fair; taxpayers pay more for teachers’ insurance than numerous other districts. Average teacher salaries (www.medms.maine.gov) in RSU 16 (Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls) are $46,088; in Oxford Hills, $45,279; Auburn, $44,779; Lewiston, $45,127.

The merit-based pay at Poland Regional High School needs to be eliminated for the benefit of students and taxpayers.

Here is a salary comparison of RSU 16, Oxford Hills and Lewiston schools:

Step 1 : $28,149 for Poland; $28,909, Oxford Hills; $32,782, Lewiston.

Step 15: $52,574 for Poland; $44,471, Oxford Hills; $47,881, Lewiston.

Step 25: $62,528 for Poland; $50,029+605, Oxford Hills; $54,874, Lewiston.

Merit pay encourages favoritism and is far too costly. Salary and benefit increases result in program losses. We must vote no on Nov. 8 on the RSU 16 budget.

Hope Becker, Poland