RSU 10 created a 14-school budget proposal for 2013 of $36,181,848 that was sent to each community for approval by the voters. Despite significant cuts (through reduction of personnel, technology, maintenance and others), that budget represented an increase of $1,036,780 (2.95 percent) over the previous year. The voters rejected that budget proposal at the polls.

RSU 10 has created a new budget proposal that has taken into consideration several developments since the original budget vote.

—  The Maine Department of Education informed RSU 10 that it is now responsible for a new, increased contribution of $468,058 to the retirement system.

—  Concurrently, the MDOE increased the state subsidy to RSU 10 by $345,762. This created a new financial obligation of $122,296.

—  The administrators of RSU 10 identified additional cuts to offset the $122,296. Those new cuts included reduction in stipend positions, reduction in summer school funding, and reduction in personnel salaries and wages.

—  This new budget of $36,521,406 was presented to the RSU 10 Board of Directors on the evening of July 8. Directors approved that budget for a public vote.

The new budget represents what the RSU 10 board believes is the financial commitment needed to provide an adequate education for all students. The communities of RSU 10 have a shared future — all children of every community in RSU 10 will learn and grow together.

I recommend support of RSU 10 in its work and participation in the budget process.

Craig King, Dixfield, Superintendent of Schools, RSU 10

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