PHILLIPS — In a review of the school year so far, Maine School Administrative District 58 Superintendent Laura Columbia said in a letter that community involvement has played a big role.

“My first year in MSAD 58, I was blown away by the community involvement,” she said. “Each year I am still impressed.”

She said seasonal events, from summer festivals to winter holiday activities, reflect “what a community can do when we come together.”

The board of directors also listened to Columbia’s updates on student enrollment, transportation, financial and facilities information at its recent meeting.

Columbia highlighted several recent and upcoming events involving students and residents, including Day Mountain Regional Middle School’s production of “Alice in Wonderland.”

“If you have not attended a play at Day Mountain, I would highly recommend that you in the future attend,” she said. She also pointed to a craft fair at Mt. Abram High School and multiple community holiday events across the district’s towns, including Santa and Mrs. Claus at Anni’s Market, the Festival of Trees and Treats at the Forster Memorial Building in Strong, and Winter Wonderland in downtown Phillips, which included sleigh rides, family activities and a light parade.

The board reviewed detailed enrollment data showing a total of 563 resident students across grades pre-K through 12. The information included enrollment by grade level and town, with totals of 214 students in pre-K to 4, 138 students in grades 5-8 and 211 students in grades 9-12. Freeman Township currently accounts for 45 students attending MSAD 58 schools.

Special education data presented to the board included counts from Oct. 1, 2024, identifying students by town, as well as additional breakdowns for pre-K to grade 8 and grades 9-12, including students served in resource room and self-contained programs.

Transportation data outlined the district’s bus inventory, listing vehicle year and mileage for buses manufactured between 2011 and 2025, along with white mini buses and state-owned buses used for student transportation.

The board also reviewed financial information, including principal wages, tuition rates and outstanding loan obligations. Principal salaries were listed at $87,000 for the middle school and $83,000 and $85,000 for the elementary schools. Tuition rates for MSAD 58 were presented at $11,815.87 for elementary students and $12,275.04 for secondary students.

Outstanding loans include a Maine Municipal Bond Bank loan originated in 2017 with a remaining balance of $137,918.20 and final payment due in 2027, as well as multiple loans through Skowhegan Savings Bank related to school buses and equipment purchases. The annual cost of the PowerSchool student information system was reported at $7,750, including required add-ons for state reporting and report cards.

Facilities information reviewed by the board detailed projected maintenance and repair costs over a 20-year period for Phillips Elementary School, Day Mountain Regional Middle School, Kingfield Elementary School and Mt. Abram High School, along with annual utility and operational costs broken down by building and cost per square foot.

The data review comes amid broader, ongoing discussions about enrollment trends and long-term planning within the district. In recent years, MSAD 58 communities have debated potential school reconfiguration, consolidation and district withdrawal options under state law, prompting increased focus on facilities condition, transportation costs and long-term financial obligations. District officials have made planning documents, financial materials and facilities assessments publicly available as part of that process.