Headlines can be misleading. In the June 12 Sun Journal, two headlines referencing one article misrepresented both the content of the article and what transpired at the June 11 RSU 16 board meeting.

The Mechanic Falls Town Council has asked the RSU 16 Board of Directors to review the cost-sharing formula for the district, as established in its reorganization plan.

A headline on the front page of the City section read “RSU 16 dismisses review of cost-sharing,” and the headline above the article stated “RSU 16 balks at cost-sharing review.” Neither statement is accurate.

The RSU 16 board has agreed to review the cost-sharing formula. At the meeting it set the time-frame for that review to be early fall.

In the meantime, the board will be gathering the data necessary so that all three district communities can better understand why there is annual fluctuation in town assessments for education and the degree to which that fluctuation can be stabilized by altering the local cost-sharing formula. The board set the early fall time frame so that, if a change were made, it would be in effect for the FY 2014 school budget.

Rather than balk at or dismiss the review, the board believes that it is important. We also believe that formulas and policies set by our state government have a significant impact on local finances, so we will also seek to engage our legislators in the process.

Mary Ella Jones, Poland, Chairwoman, RSU 16 Board of Directors

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