To the Editor:
Judging by what is happening with the school budget over the last few years, it is evident the funding formula for Poland, Mechanic Falls, and Minot needs to change. Why is it that the residents of the Town of Poland fund 67% of the local portion of the school budget? How is it fair for the taxpayers of Poland to subsidize the Towns of Mechanic Falls and Minot for educating their children? In Poland, we are facing a 3 % mil increase in the tax rate, mostly due to the school budget, which will increase my taxes by over $2,000. This, along with the fact the school board is in deliberations to execute a 10 million dollar lease on HVAC upgrades. How much will that increase the budget next year? The school budget put out a flyer on the budget and noted that the lease would be interest only. As most reasonable business people know, someone has to pay the 10 million dollar principal also.

As far as local dollars go, with the current funding formula, Poland is responsible for $10,060768, Mechanic Falls, $2,537389, and Minot, $3,009928. With the current school population, Poland pays local funds of $13,396 per Poland student, Mechanic Falls, $5,689 per Mechanic Falls student, and Minot pays $6,748 per Minot student.

For the Town of Poland’s taxpayers, it’s time to demand the school funding formula to be based solely on school population. I firmly believe if any of the towns send a pupil to a school, that town has the sole responsibility to pay for their education.

Larry Moreau

Poland