BUCKFIELD – SAD 39 Superintendent William Shuttleworth told the Board of Directors Wednesday that he is recommending a no-growth budget for FY 2005. The report came following the kickoff of this year’s budget negotiations last week.

“With nearly a quarter of a million dollars in obligated fixed increases, a zero increase budget will take positions away from the district,” said Shuttleworth. “In fact the proposed budget reduces the Hartford Sumner Elementary School by one sixth-grade teacher and half of a kindergarten teacher. Also at Buckfield Junior/Senior High School, three teaching staff would have to be cut. Other cuts will include reduction in central office staffing, teaching supplies and school field trips.”

Continuing, he added, “We have one job and one job only. That is to provide a world-class education to all our students and balance this with the ability of our taxpayers to pay for education.”

Last week’s budget meeting encompassed nearly two hours of questions concerning how the budget should look for the 2004-05 school year before 20 interested community members, with Budget Committee Chairperson Stacey Raymond presiding. The discussion focused on the impact of the proposed statewide referendum scheduled for June that would mandate the state pay 55 percent of the cost of education. In SAD 39 that would amount to a $350,000 increase in state subsidy.

The details of the proposed budget as they were presented would keep the budget at $5,732,257.99 even though there were concerns expressed that the proposed cuts would increase class size and reduce services for special education students. Shuttleworth, however, presented enrollment data for the past 10 years showing a total drop of over 130 students in the elementary school.

“We have fewer students, and though it is never easy to cut staff, it is our responsibility to make these cuts when our enrollment is declining.”

School board Chairperson Terry Hayes commended the administrative team for bringing in a budget proposal that reflects the will of the three towns, and Hartford Selectman Scott Swain underscored her comments by saying, “This is a great job, and we just need to look at all the details to really understand this budget.”

The next budget committee meeting is scheduled from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the Superintendent’s Office in Buckfield.