PARIS — SAD 17 directors were told Monday evening that preliminary budget figures indicate a 3.46 percent increase in local taxes may be necessary to pay for education for 2016-17.

The projected budget is $39.17 million. Voters approved $38.2 million for 2015-16.

“If the expenditure budget was final at this point, and the carryover amount and state subsidy amount stays the same, we would have to increase local assessments by $681,423 in order to fund the budget,” Business Manager Cathy Coffey said. “That increase is $804,597 more than what the state (Essential Programs and Services) formula indicates is the minimum amount the district should spend next year.”

The state uses a complex — and some say controversial — formula to determine the amount of money a school district needs from the state to provide students with basic educational needs. The state subsidy is based on a number of factors, including property valuations.

While budget numbers are preliminary, Coffey said after the meeting that school officials are “almost certain” they will have to exceed EPS this year. The question is by how much, she said.

During a nearly 90-minute budget workshop and preliminary budget review Monday evening, Coffey and Superintendent Rick Colpitts told directors that voters will be asked to approve the additional spending above what the state’s Essential Program and Services model says the district needs in order to meet a projected $39.17 million budget.

“I don’t believe we can get by with EPS funding only,” Colpitts said. “It would mean dramatic reductions in personnel.” 

He testified Monday at the State House before the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee to advocate for an additional $20 million in state aid to school districts to prevent what many believe is an unsustainable tax shift to local taxpayers.

Coffey told directors that some local officials have already indicated they will not support the request for money over the EPS.

The projected increase includes about $500,000 in teacher salary increases; $200,000 in added health insurance costs; $400,000 more primarily for out-of-district special education costs; and money for facility needs and higher transportation costs.

The request does not include $1.1 million school roof replacements and paving needs throughout the district.

Voters from the eight district towns — Paris, Norway, Oxford, Harrison, Waterford, West Paris, Hebron and Otisfield — approved a $38.2 million budget last year.

Approval of this year’s budget is set for June 9 with a follow-up budget validation referendum on June 14.

In other meeting news, directors heard a presentation from Curriculum Director Heather Manchester, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Principal Ted Moccia and Oxford Hills Middle School Principal Troy Eastman on proficiency-based diplomas. SAD 17 students must meet the requirements beginning in 2021.

Proficiency-based education requires students to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn before they progress to the next lesson, get promoted to the next grade level or receive a diploma, according to the state statute.

The law states students need to graduate with a diploma certifying proficiency in all the content areas, including foreign language, career preparation and be clear and effective communicators and responsible and involved citizens.

Manchester told directors Monday night there is a movement to reduce the requirements to perhaps just English Language Arts and math and then allow a student to chose two others areas to be proficient in.

Directors approved:

• A field trip for Hebron Station School sixth-graders to the Mt. Washington Auto Road in Pinkham Notch, N.H.

• A field trip for Hebron Station fifth- and sixth-graders to Boston on March 16.

• The appointment of Director Bob Jewell to the Finance Committee.

ldixon@sunmediagroup.net

Copy the Story Link