001I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. I got a full Laura, you all set with attendance? >> Oh, good. Okay. I will entertain a motion to approve the school board minutes from February 5th, 2026. >> So moved. Any emissions, additions? We we went past that don already. Okay. >> Yeah. All those in favor? >> All those opposed? >> Any abstensions? >> Yes. >> Thank you, D. >> The motion carries. I will entertain a motion to accept to approve the school board minutes from February 12th, 2026. >> Second. >> Any additions, subtractions? All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? Any abstensions? >> Thank you. Motion carries. Communications. Uh Jeremy Gath.
002Thank you. So, I'm a teacher at the high school here. I'm also the coach of the uh Spruce Mountain esports team. And my team asked me to like give one give one last possible plea to see if we could maybe find some money in the budget for next year to possibly save the program. I know money is tight, but we feel and personally I think this is a very valuable program for our district. We've been a very successful team for our 5 years of operation. We've made playoffs every single year and often for the students in our program. This is the very first sport they have ever played. Because of our schedule, we're one of the easiest for parents to drop off as well as like pick up kids after school from just 2 to
0034. Our games are very consistent, too. And just like any sport that provides like a lot of value for kids to give them some of the grit. I mean, we've had some moments of tears just because like winning, losing, it's a very exciting and hard thing. And for some of these kids, they've never been to even a little league game before this point. And that carries some value in and of itself. Um, I mean, we've had a lot of successful plans about possibly expanding doing playoff games here in the cafeteria if we could possibly do that so we could get some more interest and some more uh basically like community sport as well because we kind of run our own separate. We're actually in the middle of our spring season right now and that's wild
004considering that it's February, but that's just how the schedule is right now. Um, excuse me. Sorry about that. Um, as a team too, you get a lot for just having like one coach in the team. At some seasons, I've managed like five separate teams. This season, I'm managing four teams. We don't have too many members right now. I'm hoping to change that. Our numbers have gone from like sometimes having just two to sometimes having 12. And it's usually because our teams are so small that it's hard to get that critical mass in order to get players interested so they can play. But I'm confident that next year if we do still have a program we'd be able to run. If you are still looking to save money, here are some possible ideas on maybe how
005to do it. We currently run two seasons, a spring season and a fall season. And if I were looking to cut one season, it would be the spring one simply because we are always more successful in our fall season. And that would probably have the budget right there. The other thing possibly that you could do is, and I've seen other schools do this too, we do have a couple of computers that we use for our um esports games. And I know some schools that actually run a program where they take some of our older esports computers and then they use them in other parts of the district to save money. Since they're designed for video games, they're usually a bit on the higher end. So even if they don't work for us as a team,
006they can work just as fine running Microsoft Office or any other type of program out there too. Our school library already uses half of our computers for a lot of their art projects as well. And those wouldn't have been purchased without the program even existing in the first place. So I think there are some opportunities where we could maybe scrape together find some cash for this thing in order to get it work. But unfortunately the the program does need a coach to run. That is the most expensive component. So hopefully maybe we can find something for that. Thanks >> Ellen. Hello. Thank you once again for the opportunity to speak about the budget. It is an achievement to keep the budget increase as low as it is and I know everyone has made sacrifices to
007do so. However, limiting library services cuts to the heart of the academic mission of the school. We have one librarian covering four buildings and providing academic support to students while edte keep the doors open and students engage when the library librarian is not present. Maintaining the edte position preserves access to library resources and continuity for students projects and activities. A lot of bang for the buck. The committee must find a way to preserve this position rather than risking library cos and the expense of a substitute. I'd also like to address the gifted and talented position. It's alarming to me that there's so little understanding of the needs of gifted and talented students who are actually a subset of special education. It's tempting to believe that smart students will do fine, but these students are more
008than smarts. They are often divergent thinkers and have unusual aptitudes. Without academic and creative opportunities that recognize their gifts, they become intellectually isolated, often leading to depression or anxiety in its many forms in this age group and sometimes disruptive behavior. GT is more than delivering a program. It requires a teacher who is trained to recognize these traits in students and can provide the opportunities for them to grow into their own potential. And I just like to give a shout out to Deb Probert who retired many years ago but to me was the paragon of a GT teacher. She found kids with special talents from the entire school district. And um to me she is the model of what a GT teacher should be. As difficult as it has been it has as it has been
009to find a gifted and talented teacher, the restructuring of the program to be both GT and English for speech speakers of other languages make it even more unlikely to find someone trained and certified in both areas and that's what's required training and certification. So, while it may be a budget gimmick this year to have this hybrid program in place, in future years, I hope that both GT and ESOL are given their due respect with teachers who are adequately trained so that students have the opportunity to benefit from these programs. Thank you. >> Uh board comments, Mason. >> Uh so, um good evening. Uh first thing is next week here at the high school the uh school will be participating in our winter carnival. Um so that's going to be throughout the week. Uh we have
010hallway decorating. All the classes do hallway decorating. Um and we have events throughout the week and then a dance on I believe Saturday or Friday night. Um next, um the girls basketball, uh varsity team, um defeated Wells, uh 51 to 29 in their regional championship game on the 21st. And they will be competing at the uh at the state championship um this Saturday against Marina Cook for the Golden Ball at the Civic Center. The oneact competition team will be competing at uh Scout Heaggan in the MPA one-act competition performing the play Whistle Stop March 7th at 12:30. Um our high school robotics team uh has been hard at work uh preparing for this year's competition. Uh um they will be competing in Felmouth uh next week um uh next week at the Pine Tree District
011event Saturday and Sunday. Uh they have also been uh working with um uh special education students on unified robotics. Uh this is the first unified program in our district. Uh so this is uh a mixture of um uh general education students and special education students working together uh to compete. Um they've been doing this for about 7 weeks and they'll be competing on a Lego League uh table kind of like the middle school. And then finally, um the team uh just wanted to um let the board know and thank the community. Um we are now at uh UMF and um we thank the school for their support in in letting us uh get to UMF. Um and that's the end of my report. >> Thank you, Mason. That was loud. Any other board comments? Um,
012I just want to comment, I attended the Foster Tech board meeting along with uh Scott Elbert and uh just to let the student body know, it's going to be very competitive to get into that school. The programs are filling up fast. So work on your grades, work on your skill sets, make yourselves different so you can apply to be in there. Uh the biggest capital expense they got this year is they upgrading their 30-year-old uh skiitter for the forestry program and after nationwide search they found one with a gravel and a cable for a reasonable price. So that program will be in in place. But um check those programs out. It's a unique opportunity this area has for the kids to get a very good skill set. >> Oh, I am so sorry. >> Use
013that one. >> I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. >> Okay. Is it good now? >> Okay. I'm so sorry. Okay. Okay. Um, so first before I start with my regular uh board comment, I do want to applaud our teams. Um, Mason did a wonderful job covering everybody, but I thought they deserved a round of applause before we start anything else. All right. now that I have this mic figured out. Um, so, um, before February vacation, we did a free book event. We gave away more than 5,000 books. While each child was allowed to take up to 10, and we know what the general population is. You're thinking, "Wait, the math isn't mathing." That doesn't include the series. We count those as one. So, we have uh the Wayside book collection. That's 21 books in one
014set. We count that as one. Um series set, we count that as one because they shouldn't have to use all 10 books trying to get a series. Um so, more than 5,000 books were given out at the elementary school for our kids. And while I was there, um there were kids who weren't all that interested in reading. There was one boy who said, "I hate reading." Obvious reasons. I'm not going to use their name for privacy, but they said, "Can't I just get one of the toys?" And I told him, "You have to get at least one book to qualify to get one of the little fidgets that we have." And he went, "Fine." So, he goes, and I didn't think much of it. I thought, "Okay, he'll get one book and that'll be that."
015Well, I saw him line up at the end and he had two books. And I was excited to see he had two. I went up and I said, "So, what toy did you get?" Because I I was generally curious. He's like, "I forgot about the toy." He had completely forgotten. And he was in line reading that book after telling me emphatically that he hated reading. That's why we do these book fairs. Um, that's why I've worked tirelessly to make sure that these kids could get books in their hands. We talk about places like Scholastic and they do a wonderful job. I am not by any means diminishing their work, but we live in an area where we don't have a lot of disposable income. Our families don't have that disposable income. And I remember being
016one of those kids where I go to the book fair and I was lucky if I could find something in the discount bin. Some of the book costs these days are astronomical. So to be able to see someone who went from I hate reading to standing in line and reading. And he wasn't the only one. There were other kids who were like, I don't like reading and I saw them in line reading their books was just a wonderful experience and that's why we do these things for the kids. So I also want to give a shout out to Elaine because she makes a wonderful wonderful campaign for me. Um she did the video all in one take. Um, I had asked her to do it and all in one take we did a video of
017her giving an introduction to it and she did phenomenal. So, I do want to give a shout out and as well as the teachers that came and helped me unload the books and set it up. Um, you don't really think about how many books you have when you're gathering them until you have to unload them from your vehicle and load them on tables. But the teachers, they all work together to help me and I greatly appreciate all their efforts as well as the custodians for helping me clean up um after the fact and deal with the empty boxes that have been damaged along the way. So, I do want to thank our community for allowing me to do that. >> Not to overdo this, uh Phoebe doesn't give herself one quarter of the credit she
018deserves. how she collected all of these books by going to free book events, places that sponsor free books for kids. I mean, we're talking in the package. They were fantastic. Um, and the setup, the school, the elementary school was great with with helping us out when we arrived there. She brought three vehicle fulls. Yeah. I actually got my husband out of bed and said, "You're going to come help us." We were set up by 8:30. We were torn down after giving out that amount of books and everything was ready to get the gym back in place at the elementary school by 9:30. That's pretty amazing. We ran grades three, four, five, special ed kids. Everything came through through. Um, kids had bags for all of their things. It was exciting. It was a privilege to
019be there. Phoebe, but Phoebe deserves a huge round of applause because she does this twice a year. All our kids benefit and that's what it's all about. Thank you, Phoebe. Any other board comments? Okay, Wayne. Good evening. Um, pretty short and sweet tonight. Um, during the break, uh, February break, we had a a few people that were on vacation, uh, but we were still able to get, uh, some extra cleaning, some waxing of some of the rooms and, uh, a few few room, small rooms painted, uh, over vacation. Um, and the only other thing I have is we've just had one employee that has, uh, left the high school here at night. Um, so right now I'm down to using 30 and 40hour employees to help clean out and clean the place. Um, so right
020now I have one job opening here at the high school. So it's about all I have >> questions for Wayne. >> Thank you. >> Norma Thanks. >> It's hard to come back. >> It's all right. See the TN, >> right? Not a lot to report. Just coming back from vacation week. We have another custodian who has received his school bus driver's license. He'll be a regular custodian, subbus driver when needed. I'm going to be attending a transportation director's conference on March 10th and 11th in Rockport. Um, and the I believe it's the uh DOE DOE gives a hundred of us a grant to attend this. They pay for our room, our meals, and everything. So, it's an awesome training. We will be going over safe driving and student management, child harness systems on buses, and
021safety driving and student management, which comes first. I'll also be attending a McKini Vento spring regional meeting on March 26. This meeting will include updates from the main DOE, opportunities to learn about new resources. Government Mills signed an executive order in January to ensure bus safety measures due to the two deaths that were um and that includes any buses over 2021 um which has the federal government has already covered that the new buses from there already come with crossing guards. Um President Trump has passed an emissions policy. We'll be going back to the 2008 emissions where we will not need two deaf tanks, which is fantastic news. We'll remain with one as of right now. And that's all I have. We still have two drivers out on indefinite medical leave. So, we're using our 40hour
022drivers quite a bit. That's it. Questions for Norma? >> Norma, do you want do you want to talk about the new bus that we're going to need? >> Yes. Um, unfortunately we have four buses all the same year and one of them we found out today when he was doing the inspection that it is too far gone to repair. Um, so I contacted our dealer for another propane bus and if the federal government, which we'll know for sure next week, we can trade one of our buses in one of our older buses in towards the new bus, which would cost usund almost $110,000. They'll give us 51,000 for that, but that's not a definite, but he he's almost positive it is. They'll give us $51,415 for one of our buses, diesel. >> so we we'd
023be putting this into the budget as a lease. So, we'd pay it' be spread out over four years. So, uh it's not in the budget at this point in time, but before you guys make the final decision next week, uh we would be doing that. So, >> and um somebody asked me last time about the propane bus and fuel and all that. And I checked the gallons. We just filled it for the first time in the month that we've had it. And it had 1190 miles on it. So, it was almost below a half a tank. So, it's saving us some money. And it's regularly used um special transportation bus. Tanya Did we research when we bought the propane bus? Did you speak to other districts who've had them and like how they are? >>
024Yep. >> Over time, they they've been good. >> Yes, they've been um fant actually they we have at least um 12 districts in Maine that run just propane. >> Mhm. >> Um Mount Blue's been running them for 16 years. Bonnie Eagle's completely propane and I can tell you it sat over vacation, wasn't plugged in and it I mean no issues at all maintenance-wise. I mean it's definitely huge savings >> 2011 >> we have four of them. Yes. >> Yep. >> How are they doing? >> Next year would >> I would say we're going to look at two at least two buses next year. The problem is I don't want to throw anybody under the bus. Um the problem was is years ago they bought groups of buses the same year. You actually should stagger them
025so we don't run into this problem. And um and that's the problem we're running into now. >> Same year, same brand. >> Yes. >> It's a major Russian rust. Yeah. >> Floor beds frame on this one which Yeah. So, which he's repaired in the past and we just can't. This one's put out of service. He's not even going to touch it because it would just cost too much. Thank you. We have a great mechanic, by the way. So, he's >> Other questions for Norma. Thank you. >> That it. Thank you. Oh, I'm sorry. >> I'm just interfering because I'm finding that the echoing that's happening, it's really hard to Am I the only one? >> There's a wicked echo. So that none of the words are I'm piecing it. I'm not alone. Is there some
026way we can correct this, Chris? It's not something I've experienced here before. We're usually all really clear, but there's an echoing to it. >> Thank you. >> That's my faith in you. Do you need me to sing a song so you'll know where it's going? >> Would you? >> No. >> If if you want me to explain the whole book fair, I can do it. >> You're welcome. >> Is that better, guys? >> Is it not as good? Because I'm I want to hear what people have to say. right now. >> Uh testing one, two, three. >> Which karaoke song would you like? >> Can you Can you hear me at all? >> The old days. >> Oh, yes. Is there an echo now? >> Yes. >> Testing one, two, three. >> Is that good?
027>> And yell. Okay. testing. Okay. Good evening. On the workforce front, our medical assistants will be taking their final exam tonight before they begin clinical rotations at the hospital in March. Can you hear me? Okay. >> Okay. the current group of students. Um, they've been fantastic to work with this semester and we wish them the best moving forward. We're actively recruiting for two workforce classes. Our upcoming CNA course and we have a new offering which is phbotomy. Both will begin in April and interviews will be on March 17th. We're still searching for a CDL class A instructor. The job posting is on the school website as well as our Facebook page. Um, if you could help spread the word, share that on Facebook, that'd be great. Um, we do need to start that program as
028soon as possible. It's grant-f funded and we only have that money for three years. So, I want to get as many people through as possible. And lastly, our main college and career access grant through the state included funding for marketing. This year as a collective with Mount Blue, Scow Heaggan, and Lawrence, we've hired a video a videographer um to make a commercial to promote adult ed and highlight our programs. and they'll be on site next week. That's it. Questions for Robin? >> Robin, I know it's been a while, but um is there any update on the grant for um the old Livermore Falls building? >> Yes, it's a small update. Um so when we wrote that grant initially, so this is a um congressionally directed spending amount um it was quite literally an act of
029Congress to get that money and it was designated to previously the United Way of the Tri Valley area. Um they have since gone away as did their tax ID number. So we had to go back to the federal government and say this money needs to be reallocated to another agency within our community. So the town of Jay now has authorization for that money, but we're also still waiting on guidance because a lot a lot of people were laid off um out of the HUD allocations. So we don't have a direct contact right now. So we're waiting for guidance, but yes, that went through. that money is not lost. Other questions for Robin? >> Baby, um so first of all, I want to wish luck to the people who are taking their finals tonight. Um and
030I was wondering if you could update us on their numbers. Um how many passed the next time you report? >> Absolutely. >> Yeah, they took a math exam yesterday. So, if you're new to the board, our um medical assisting class also is um what they call an integrated education and training program. So, we incorporate math into that. Um and they do that all semester long with our instructor, Betsy. So, it's kind of like a co-eing with someone from the hospital who has medical background, Betsy, who is a math guru, and they co-e that. Um and so all of them passed that math exam yesterday. Um, we integrated that because the hospital was seeing that they were taking people from community colleges or universities that had this medical background as medical assistants and they were coming
031in and failing those exams. So, we wanted to make sure that if we were putting out this workforce training program that that was incorporated as well. So, all students passed that and I will definitely give you an update. Thank you. Um, not a question so take a breath. Um I just want to say that a lot of the time uh when we talk about adult education it doesn't get the recognition it deserves um transportation all other departments of course but particularly adult education because when people think of a school district they tend to think of the kids but what you're doing is changing the course of an adult's life after you know they've been through the school system or they've been in situations where they couldn't complete it. and I want to thank you and
032your staff for making such a huge difference in our community. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Appreciate that. >> Are we going to have a culinary arts program again soon? >> So, we will also need to hire an instructor for that as well. >> Oh, we lost an instructor. >> Bummer. >> I know. We all enjoyed it. >> I did as well. >> Other questions for Robin? Thank you. Thank you, Chris. >> Okay. Good evening. Evening. Evening. Evening. Oh, sorry. Sorry. Um, yeah. I I think it's a little better when we have just the one speaker, but yeah, I think they were feeding off each other. They might be too big for the room. Um, all right. Technology, wonderful thing. Um, so, uh, we we, uh, as you know, we have we've had a
033calling system for quite a number of years now, and it and it helps quite a bit to get messages out to parents, keep connected and things like that. years and years ago, we had School Messenger. Um, and when um when another system came out that integrated with P school, which would feed the weed dump school messenger as quick as we could um because it was just always a headache. Um, and we had this Swift K12 which worked seamlessly. Did never have any troubles with it. Um, and then, uh, Power School bought School Messenger and put Swift K12 out of business. So, we didn't have a choice but to go back to school messenger. Um, and I tell you that story because we're starting to have some of the same issues. Um, we're just having these
034random, you know, all of a sudden people aren't getting the phone call when they should be. Um, and so I've been working with school messenger to try to figure out what the issue may be that's causing that. um they haven't quite figured it out yet. Um and the odd thing is if it was the same person every time it would be easy, but it's random and and then when we look at the call logs, it says they answered or it went to their machine when it didn't. So um so we're working with them to get that. But um but in the meantime, we're having um principles are sending out messages to the parents to let them know to make sure they check the email works fine. If they as long as they have an email
035with us, that works great. or to check Facebook uh or the website just to make sure um in the meantime until we know for sure that the that the phone calls are going through to everybody. Um on another uh side the rate um we've had uh good luck and bad luck with um if you don't remember is this is a federal program and it allows us to buy um things to keep our infrastructure going um internet things like that um devices to run the internet in all the schools um and we get um because We're a high receiver school. The the government pays for 80% of whatever we buy. So if we if we spend, you know, um $80,000, we we get all that and we pay about uh around 20,000 and and get all
036the rest. So um from from uh so we had two projects in last year. We had a project in to to replace a lot of the devices that run the internet and and and talk to the schools and things like that. Um that got approved but because of the government shutdown um not the last one but the one in in the fall um that kind of stopped the rate because they couldn't they couldn't approve things and things like that. Um the money was still there but they just couldn't approve anything. So when that came back online, when they came back, we finally got that approved. Um and so so we're start we got a lot of those devices in now. We'll start to upgrade that. Um so that's good news. Uh we also had put
037in this year for next year an irate plan to try to replace the fiber that um runs from the middle school is actually our hub where everything from the state comes in and then it then there's a fiber line that runs from the middle school to the high school and from the middle school down to the elementary school. Um and then also we're hoping to get a fiber line up to the bus garage from the elementary school. Uh that one we have not had we can resubmit it. um what you have to do, you have to submit it and then it goes out to bid. They put it on this um site and people bid on it. We did not get a single bid to do that project. So um and it's and it's it's
038not overly surprising because there's not a ton of people in this area that um necessarily work on fiber or laying fiber down. So um so we're we'll probably resubmit that and see if we can't get that taken care of as well. questions for Chris. Elaine, >> how we doing on curriculum? New English language arts program going well. And I know you said we're working on >> is it social studies or math? >> Uh we're working on um well, we're working on both of those. Um, as far as just um working on what what lining things up for for mass, I'll say science is the the big one we're working on this year as far as um that the program that they'll adopt. Um I think we're meeting with we were supposed to meet with science
039on Monday. >> Oh. >> But we went home early. So, we're going to reschedule that and meet cuz that's we really need to talk about how that's going and if that's the direction we want to go in and then bring we can bring that to to the board to show them what that looks like um as a package. Um and then um and then language arts is going well. Um they've been working well and we're we've got another our last um grade level meetings coming up um March 8th and 9th. Um and then and then probably at that time too uh we'll probably work a little bit on the presentation of the board from the language arts. >> Now you'd said last time that they were looking to to see where the new program English
040language arts program especially at the lower levels will cross over with science and social studies and is that going to be pretty seamless to be able to do? I would think that one might dictate to the other. >> Yeah. And it's um we're we're giving them a little bit of time to just to get to know the program, but at the same time, we're looking at that scoping sequence that came with the program. Um and what we're finding is that that that's going well as find as far as finding things that that will match up, but it may we may have to shift some things. Yeah. Um so like you know like um I mean one that will stay would be like my community is a big uh social studies project that is for kindergarten
041at the state level and that's in this program is it talks about my community too. So that's that one's golden but there may be other ones that we have to shift from a grade to another grade depending on who has who has what. >> Y makes sense. Thank you. I appreciate that. Y you mentioned that um you put it out to bid for the for the fiber. >> Yeah. The way -ate works is it's very um it's a federal program, so it's it's not a technically a grant, but you have to fill out all kinds of forms on what you'd like the rate um has to approve that that you can that it actually fits the criteria of what what's allowable. And once um they approve that it's allowable, they post it for you um
042to go out and and there are all kinds of companies, you know, usually we get calls from big tech companies in Portland and things like that um because they watch the -ate site all the time and anything that comes up they can they'll tend to bid on it. We've gotten bids from out of state before for when we when we've looked for equipment and things like that. Um, we knew this one would be a little more difficult because it's they'd actually have to install the fiber. So, that would be harder for a company from Massachusetts to necessarily come down and do that. Um, so but but we're not allowed to like post it ourselves in the newspaper or anything. It has to go through the -ate site. >> Okay. That's what I was wondering. >>
043H how do you advertise for that? >> Yeah, I know. Yeah. which makes it difficult because not everybody uh you know there might be electricians around here that could do fiber but they might not know even know how to get on the -ate site or be a part of it. You have to actually sign up to be part of the -ate even as a company. >> So if if you didn't get any bids what what's the recourse? >> Um we can repost it. we can have them repost it for because um we we did it early this year and so we have time we can repost it for next year to hopefully get some more bids. Um and then supposedly if we do it again and it doesn't get any bids then um they would
044supposedly they'll I've never seen it happen but supposedly they'll allow us to then uh go out and try to find somebody that could do it and see if they'll bid on it. >> You mean like Fidium Fiber or something like that? Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. because technically we're not allowed to to go to any company and ask them to bid, you know, that would be breaking the rules, >> but apparently if you don't get any bids after a couple times, they'll work with you to to try to find a local company that might be willing to to do the work. >> And do you have a time frame on that? >> Uh, that would be we'll probably know by I would say by October of next year whether whether we get any bids or not.
045>> Okay. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Other questions for Chris? Thank you. >> Thanks, >> Sharon. Hello. questions for Sharon. >> Thank you, Jenna. Okay, it is working. I wondered for a minute. Okay, good evening, Sherry. And I would like to give a special shout out to Rob Taylor and the Blue Crew for launching a unified robotics group made up of special education athletes and their partners. In the past, we have explored creating unified opportunities at the high school level, but ran into challenges because activities were scheduled for after school. For many of our students, that time created a significant barrier for participation. By offering unified robotics during Phoenix time, Rob and the blue crew have removed that barrier and opened the door for meaningful inclusion during the school day. We are hopeful that this
046will be the start of expanding more unified programs at the high school. So, a special thank you to Rob and the blue crew for making this happen. Um, this afternoon, Sherry and I had a meeting with the DOE and we received some updates regarding IDA. And for those of you that don't know what IDA is, um, it's the federal law that guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education. Okay? So, um, it's really their right to special ed and related services. Um, federal funding for special education is currently at 12%, not the 40% that was promised at the incept inception of IDA uh, nearly 50 years ago. Uh, this left the states and local districts to make up the difference. Uh, we were excited to hear that there are two bills
047that would increase that funding level. So, we are watching those closely. Um, as always, uh, who knows what's going to happen, but we're watching. Um, at this time, the special ed funding to the states within the federal budget will remain flat with no increases or decreases. Um, but we have our eye on that. Um, the more concerning piece for us right now, um, is that the last time IDA was authorized was in 2004. So, changes haven't been made in a very, very long time. And um there are currently five proposals out there at the federal level that could change small pieces of the law without opening it for major changes. However, we're hearing rumors that they might be fully opening it up. Um and maybe that could to lean to lead to some good things,
048but uh it could also impact our budget and planning and service delivery. you know, every so many year big changes happens and we have to meet those needs. So, we're hoping that it's not going to be anything too drastic and all the changes will hopefully be in the favor of our students and community and staff. Um, so on to the 504 numbers. At the high school, there are 50 students at the high school with 504 plans. In December, there were 49. There are currently two referrals at the high school and uh one referral packet has been handed out but not received back. At the middle school, there are 23 students with 504 plans in um January. Sorry, there were 23. There are currently zero referrals at the middle school, although um I have heard that
049there might be one in the works. At the elementary school, there are 24 students with 504 plans. In January, there were 25 and there are currently zero referrals. At the primary school, there are 12 students with 504 plans. In January, there were 11. Currently, zero referrals, but two referral packets have been given out. So, although that has there has been a little bit of movement. We've had students move in and out of district. Our number for February and January remain the same at 109 total, plus two referrals and three to four potentials coming in. questions for Jenna. Thank you, Jenna. Okay, I did skip over you, Scott, but you did say that you didn't have anything. Do you >> I've been a meteorologist. >> So, just a little update. Um, our lawyer, Jack Baldachi, um,
050applied for and received a grant from the Alliance for Defending Freedom, uh, for $20,000. Um, we will have to vote whether to accept that money. Um, I haven't brought it to a vote at this point because our insurance is paying for everything and it's not really necessary. So, if that changes and the lawsuit becomes something other than what it is right now, then then I'll bring it to a to a vote. But, um, so that's kind of what I have uh for that. Um, go ahead. >> Is there a limit on what our insurance will cover for the legal costs? The insurance will cover the six groups the six school districts that are being sued for a total of $250,000. >> It's still six. >> It might be up to seven now. Um but not
051all of them are going through the through the same lawyer, so it could change. Um they also waved our deductible, so we don't have to pay anything upfront. >> Thank you. I will entertain a motion for the second and final reading of GBO Family Care Leave. >> Second >> discussion. All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? Motion carries. We'll entertain a motion for the first reading of policy GBF. >> I'm not done yet. >> Sorry. >> Employee use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices. >> So moved. >> Discussion. Jody, >> I'm assuming that the um highlighted areas are additions. Can somebody explain? >> There's actually changes. Uh the the pink was um mostly from the teachers. They came and shared that information with us. And then the yellow line is
052a change um that we put in. It used to say um that teachers needed to get permission and we've changed it. So they just need to notify Thank you. Any other discussion? All those in favor? >> All those opposed? Motion carries. Okay. On to the budget. So, what I'd kind of like to do is find out where everybody is with the regular budget, how you feel about what's in it, what if anything you might want to change as far as numbers goes. Um, I know there's been a couple of changes, Scott, if you want to. >> Yeah, you guys have the the new one. It should say on the bottom February 23rd, 2026. Couple of the changes that were made is we we took um Jod's suggestions with her concerns about not having enough money
053in the substitute lines. So, we added some money into the substitute lines throughout uh the budget. Um one of the other big changes um is we had made an error in benefits under special ed to our actually in our favor. So, it was $24,000 less. And then the big big one you'll see under um operation of plant districtwide um because of the new way where adult ed is being uh paid for from the state um we were able to we never charged um adult ed to use our buildings at all because we got money through the state through the ED279. So, we're able to pick up that cost anyway, but now that they are not putting it through the ED279 for the rest of us to have, they're sending it directly to adult ed. Um,
054we took about $30,000 out of operation of plant and that'll be in when Robin goes over her budget, you'll see in the lines that they're picking up some electricity in our building, some of the heating costs in the building, etc. the insurance in the building to even that out. So, because we can't go and ask or we don't want to go and ask less from the taxpayers for adult ed because if we do under just adult ed, the state will give us less money. But I wanted because that money went directly to adult ed, I wanted to save the taxpayers some money. So, we were able to move $30,000 out of the regular budget into that adult debt budget. So, we won't be asking any more money from the town for adult debt this year.
055Thank you. Um, so I'll start off. Um, just my thoughts are I'd like to see um the one at least one season of the esports uh added back in. Um, I didn't realize that there was so many kids that were affected by that. Um, but I do want to see um a significant amount taken from the 856,000 that's still up. Um uh the summary as other all other expenditures total the total 8561854 is what we're up um I'd like to see that at least cut in half. Um, okay. Other thoughts. >> So, there's there's a sheet >> there's a separate sheet >> summary >> budget summary sheet. This is what each warrant will when you guys will be asked to approve the warrants. These are the different warrants. >> History budget. >> Yep. Budget summary
056history. Yep. So the the 8561854 I' I'd like to see that cut in half. >> Um that's just my thoughts. Um okay, anybody else? Bie. >> In the interest of saving money, um we definitely want esports. There are kids who benefit greatly. I so I am echoing your thought on that. Um I think we should cut where it doesn't affect the kids. We have our director stipend. We know that esports costs about $10,500. Why don't we all agree to do a dollar meeting for each of us because we're here for the kids. We're not here for any money. It lowers the budget. It gives esports both their seasons back. Why not why don't we just do that? I'd be willing to take zero, but I know that um typically they want us to have some
057type of siphon. So, a dollar seems reasonable to me per meeting. Why don't we just do that? That way, we don't have to worry about adding to the budget. Our kids get what they need. We're still here doing what we've always been doing. We volunteer for the community. So, why don't we just slash our director budget for the school board? I'm just disappointed that about the email that we received because I feel like the first thing that goes on the chopping block is sports because it gets a reaction out of people. Um I do not agree with it. I think sometimes that's what keeps some of our kids in school. And with a dropout rate as high as it is at the high school, I don't think we should be removing that. I do think
058our budget needs to be lower. I cannot go to the taxpayers with this number and feel good about it with the assessments that were done on properties, people's taxes going up. I just don't I think there are other areas that we could cut that wouldn't affect the kids. Uh, I agree with Tanya and I agree with Phoebe. Um, I don't want to cut where the kids are affected. I don't like cutting sports. I agree too with you. Um, I don't want to cut the esports. Um, again, where the kids are being affected, I'm not into it. Um, I totally agree that we should cut the um the board budget. Uh, what is it called again? The stipens. Yeah, the stipen. Thank you. Um, if it can help save literally anything when it comes to the
059children. Um, sorry if you can can't hear me. Um, I don't have the answers. Um, but if we can save literally anything when it comes to not cutting where the kids are involved, that's what I want to do. Um, I would love to see these numbers lower. Um, but I don't want it to be the sports. I don't want it to be clubs. I don't Yeah, I guess I'm just mumbling now, but that's it. That's That's what I got to say. I just want to point out if we cut $400,000 more, it will affect kids. >> I It's It's people. It's going to be positions. That's the only way you're going to come up with $400,000 more. Just putting that out there. >> I don't really have any suggestions to change what was already been
060presented to us because it sounds like a lot of evaluation right down to the copy paper has already been assessed. and the fact that we are below inflation despite having natural benefit increases and so forth, I think we're doing pretty reasonable and we're already pretty thin in the classroom. So, I propose we accept it as is. >> Hi. Um, obviously I don't want anything to go from our kids. Uh I totally I mentioned at the last meeting I don't want esports cut. Um I know there were some concerns about library and the cutting there. I have gone to Scott on two different occasions and been absolutely approved that there will be no cuts to direct services to kids. In other words, my number one was what does this take away from kids? Will there still
061be the same resources? Classes get to go in the primary school to the library for a period of time. Somebody will be there to check out the books. Yes. At the elementary school, yes. None of that one-on-one kid time if I'm displaying this for if I'm not explaining this right. Um so I I I can live with the library cut because it is not affecting direct time with kids as I have been. it's explained to me. If I've not said it right, please correct me. Um, I was very disappointed with the email that I got that talked about cutting all JV sports and I read through it and I said this can't be quite right. Um, I did go to Scott and he explained it might be one sport that was mentioned and Scott can
062elaborate on this. Um, our sports are as important. And it cut it. These go with the kids, too. I And I really hate it when the community comes and says, "Oh, the first thing they're going to say they're going to cut is sports." We've all heard it. It's not true. I think there are places in sports that don't affect the kids that we can still cut. Um I'm not sure we need all the things that are in there, and I've already spoken to that. um you know the fact that some I was told that we haven't replaced football uniforms in eight years. If there is a ongoing cycling of each year we replace every set of uniforms as we can. We have less kids playing football than we did 10 years ago. Um there's are
063ways around this. We've got to find as many places I guess if there are going to be cuts um that are not people cuts. And I know we can't hit those numbers. I'm not going to suggest an amount to cut because I know that hurts kids. Every teacher you cut, every aid you cut, that is a paramount effect on our kids. And we look at special ed numbers and 504 numbers coming through to us. We are getting so much. We're gaining back what we lost through the time that our kids weren't here. We're getting those numbers back. That's why we're seeing those numbers 504s drop down. We're looking at such better behavior um numbers because we have deans of students. I know some people have talked about getting rid of that. Those these positions have
064made great uh progress in our buildings for kids being able to be here, stay here, and make that time that they are here worthwhile. they're not sitting in timeout or or a suspension. I don't know where we're going to do it and I will leave the administration with that those decisions to make. Right now, I can't support any cuts to this budget. The reason that and I just picked that number because it was half of what um but I work with the public all the time in particularly our elderly who are on fixed incomes and I hear them time after time after time saying my taxes went up $1,000. I can't I don't have any more money. what you know I get my sister she's on disability her mortgage went up $100 now that doesn't
065sound like a lot but when you're on a fixed income it is a lot and so any asking any more of the people that I surround myself with I I just can't do it so I I just think that we need to find a way to to cut somewhere where and I don't want to I don't want to take from our kids either And I don't want sports to be affected, but I just think that we can find a way to cut some more from what's here. Maybe not the 400,000 that I mentioned, but but some more. I um I'm all for sports. I played sports all through high school and college and I think they're very important. But I do feel that we can, you know, do we really need uh new uniforms? Can
066we put that off another year? You know, is there other equipment that would be nice but we don't need? And also, >> um I have heard people say that the boosters have offered to buy balls and different things and we don't accept that and I don't understand why. When I was in school, the boosters did a lot and I know the concession stands um >> at the games, you know, they they bring in a lot of money and so I just think there's other places we can look and fundraisers we can do um to help offset the sports cost. I know I've already had had to turn, but I have to say I have children in three other districts, grandchildren. Um I'm constantly doing something to support their boosters and they do buy uniforms. They
067do buy sports equipment. Um they do pay for extra sessions for this or that. In Levit, the boosters paid for the team to go to Fort Kent. the school paid for the for the actual lodging and gave the parents some money. Everything else that's the parents transported the kids. Um I know in York, which is considered a rich community, it really isn't. It's a two-level bottom and top community. Um they raise money for other sports every year and I've been giving for a number of years. Um I I think I'd like to see more for that and so that we don't cut from our teachers. I don't want to cut from our teachers either. We have ne we have negotiations that'll be going on and we have uh benefits to pay these lot most of
068these people live here. They're in the here or in the communities that support our businesses. Um that's not we can't do that either. We need these people. They need their jobs. I live on a fixed income. Um yep it's tough. I know in Jay it was a shock because many many years we had the benefit of a mill and now it's like whoa reality check. It sucks but there are other things at the state level that can be done. There are other things at the federal level that can be done. Cutting our education and what we're giving to our kids. They're our future. They're the ones sitting here in 15 years. We need them and we need to give them the best. Okay, I'll be quiet. >> I I was just curious from the original
069budget that you got from your from the building and and from the departments, how much have you asked them to cut so far from their budgets? Mr. Albert, >> was on that sheet. It was 600 and something thousand. >> That's total >> across across the board. Okay. across across the district that we asked asked them to cut from what they gave me originally. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. 6002800 62,800 >> $62 what she said. >> Thank you. And it's important to look at the sheet also that has the proposed revenues on it and the local funding options, what each town is going to have to pay where we are currently. So take that into consideration when you're um deliberating about the budget. >> It says proposed revenue FY27 on the top. It talks about
070the last three years of what each town has paid and what they would be required to pay. Um, under local revenue where it says EPS, those those numbers amounts are what the state tells us we have to raise locally in order to receive our state money, which we received $15,974 from the state. Those first three numbers is what the it totals $5,434,159. That's what we have to raise as a town in order to get that money. Second section is additional local. That's what each town has to pay because we're over EPS in those areas. >> Annie, did you have questions? No, I just I just wanted to make it clear. I do want to see some cuts. I do not want teachers and ed techs to be cut. There are other places that can be
071cut that wouldn't affect the students. We talk about the budget a lot. You know, that's one of our primary functions as a board. We talk about the numbers, how we want them to be lower. Every single one of us wants to make a penny scream. That's well nickel now. But every single one of us doesn't want a budget to increase. We would like things to stay the same. But it doesn't work that way. We are paying people's salaries. People live here in this community. They work here. When we talk about cutting things, yes, let's look at the fat. Cut away the fat. People are never that. Positions are never that. We can look at trying to find things that are cheaper. We can look at different things, but there are new regulations. We're told that
072we have to have food within the United States, which, let's face it, bananas are much cheaper than other fruit. Good luck finding that in United States. We are told we have to follow all these regulations, all these rules, which is fine. You know, we're a school district. That's our job is to follow these laws and regulations. It's our job to provide an education. It's our job to be here for the community. And we are one of the biggest, if not the biggest employer of the community. So, when we hear statements like we want to cut, that sounds great on paper. That sounds wonderful on paper. I would love that. Who doesn't want to lower a bill? I no one here is gonna say, "I want to pay more." If they do, I I I'm sorry.
073You need to go back to math class. But when we talk about these things, we're not talking about wasteful spending. Have I don't know how many of us have actually gone to the teachers, gone inside classrooms and saw a lot of them use their own money. A lot of them use resources that our administrators have worked tirelessly for. There are grants. There are so many things that we fight for. And to sit here and talk about, let's cut this, let's cut this, let's cut this. On paper, that sounds fine until you apply it to the real world. And when we do that, we're talking about hurting families. We're talking about hurting the community. We want kids to stay in this community. And then we're going to cut positions. We're going to cut things that they
074enjoy doing, things that make people come here to see them play. We It boggles the mind. This budget, I'm I'm sorry. This budget, we talk about cutting things. Let's start with the director stipend. Let's apply that to the esports. That way, we don't have to worry about that. They deserve a chance to play. They deserve that. and I'll take a zero dollar amount if that's allowable. I'm here for the kids. I'm here for the community. Everyone else, I assume, is here for that as well. You know, I know everyone feels very passionately about our kids, about our community. That's why we're all here in this room. That's why we sat through and went through line after line after line. I know it feels like paint drying on the wall when you have to hear it,
075but they explained where all of these things are coming from. If we're going to ask them to cut more, we're asking them to cut things that is going to hurt. And I will not sit by and allow that to hurt. And I understand fixed income. I truly understand that. I was raised by a mother who was on a fixed income. We went without many, many things. And let me tell you, in middle school, when you're wearing handme-downs from 10 years ago, that's not gonna make you popular. I understand a fixed income better than some people would believe it. But I also understand the benefit that I received from a public education. I understand the benefit of every person that was in my life. Every teacher, every person I ran into in that school always had
076a smile for me. Always had that. And when we talk about cutting more, which person are you looking at? There's not a good answer for that. There never is. So I say go back, see if we can cut different things. Never positions. And I I say cut our director site end. We don't need it. the school does. Thank you. I am in the camp of uh seeing if we can think outside the box with this and see what else could be done um to cut some of this out. Um, I know a lot of elderly that are struggling out there. And uh, I just don't think it's going to pass if we don't try every avenue we can to try to cut. And I and I understand what you're saying, you know, to keep the
077teachers here and to keep what we have, but we need to look outside the box and what else is there that could be cut, trim down some. Um, I just think that, you know, this budget is pretty high and I I do feel that we need to cut somewhere. I don't have the answer what to cut, but I think we should try looking outside the box like you said, you know, maybe do fundraising for some of these things that we need. And do we really need, you know, some of these things this year? Can we trim it back? That's it. I I would also like to just as a quick reminder, I know I talk a lot tonight, but as a quick reminder, if we send out a budget and it gets voted down, we
078are legally obligated to cut, not add. So, if we send out a budget and we've cut down to the bare bones and the towns decide they want more cut, we are legally obligated to do so. And then what are we cutting then? If we cut everything now with zero safety net, we are shooting ourselves in the foot at that point. It's dangerous. And I understand we do want things to be cheaper, but the cost of everything has gone up. It's not something that the school did. It's not like our teachers are being like, "Okay, let's find things that we can spend more money on." That's never been the case. Not ever. The cost of everything has gone up. We We sat through the budgets line by line. They explained how much everything costs. If we
079cut everything to the bare bones now, what bone are you willing to lose later? We're going to take 10 minutes and then we'll um come back and start review on the adult dead. My apologies, Robin. We're not quite ready for you. Um I there was some folks on the side of this table that I did not see had their hands up for the discussion, so we're going to continue a little bit. Um, Jody. Well, I want to say thank you for everybody for going line by line because that is really helpful when we're looking at a budget and I appreciate that and it was painful. I understand, but it was really helpful. Um, I would agree with many of the things that have happened here. I do think we need to cut a little bit
080more just so that we have a chance of passing a budget in our towns the first go of. Um that they know everything you brought to us and I appreciate you coming to us with cuts of the 600,000. I really do appreciate that. Um so that we can do our due diligence for the towns that we live in. Um, but I can't go without saying um I did not support the dean of students last year at the primary and the elementary. And I I really feel like um with our dropping enrollments at our younger schools, as much as I know Pat, it's helped at the elementary school, maybe with the um the amount of kids that are in in, you know, hard times or in suspensions. I just think adding administrative positions is a really
081hard thing when we're in a school district that's losing the number of students to have two administrators in all of our schools. Um, so if I were to give any recommendation, nothing against those individuals, I don't know who they are, but those were just two brand new positions that I was not in support of last year and that I would like to be considered for this year. I just want to say that um town of Livermore didn't pass the budget last year. It passed because the other two towns passed it and the majority between the three towns um made it pass. Um I think there are places that can be cut that won't necessarily affect the children. Um and I think one thing that could possibly happen is combine the library and the middle school
082and the high school. That would be my suggestion. And with school buses having to be replaced and things coming up this year, you know, in years to come, we really need to tighten our belt. This isn't going to be particularly popular, but I'm over 60 years old now. I've dealt with school budget since I was 18 and was eligible to vote on one and go. I have always heard the argument that the budget disproportionately affects the elderly and those on fixed incomes. That's not a new story. That's nothing new. But the districts have always tried to make accommodations that try to make things reasonable. Is it perfect? No. But you've got to have a certain amount of money spent in order to get things done. As far as taking a zero sum for the being
083a director, it's like the stipen we get is a token amount as it is. It wouldn't justify minimum wage for the number of hours most of us put in in the course of a year. So I it amount to what like $13,000. I mean it I'm not trying to sound selfish, but I don't know of any other community activity with this much responsibility that has zero compensation. We've had some new members on the board. We've I seen them ask, you know, what can we cut? What can we get to? They've had a year to think about this and somebody's got to make some hard decisions rather than push it back on the administrators. It's like if you want to cut something, what do you want to cut? People want to make cuts, but no one's
084offering to place things in the the majority of the budget is personnel. There's only so much equipment we can not purchase or not use. I think we're pretty efficient with what we do have. But if we're going to make cuts, unfortunately, it's going to have to come from people because that's just how an organization works. I've been in businesses that had to tighten their belts and we just had to do more with less. And it sucks and I understand it, but I've lived through it in the private sector. And I think if we as a board want to cut cost, that's where it's going to have to come from. and somebody's going to have to make some specific suggestions rather than just pay it off, just pass it off. Is it like, well, we got
085to cut something. Well, you've had the budget in front of you for three months. Find something. >> Um, when this was presented to us, it was we can look at the budget. We've looked at it line by line this year. Um, we know all the answers to this. the people that are in charge of we can make suggestions that we'll all never agree on because it just doesn't work that way. Um, we can agree that we don't want anything cut that directly affects kids as much as possible. The ultimate decisions have to be made by our administrators. We can make all kinds of suggestions. They're the ones who have to pull it off and know where where it can be done. Um, I agree that I would just assume pass it at this number right
086now because we do have to have a little bit of wiggle room should this be cut down. I'm willing to leave it in the administrator's hands at this point to see what they can come up with or make a motion to pass this. Middle schoolers start typically around age 12 and 11 depending on when they were born during the year. High schoolers typically start typically um around 14, 15 up to 18. Some of the kids are here past 18. Some of them are in their 20s. to suggest to cut the budget and combine the two libraries, an 11-year-old and an 18-year-old having the same books in the same room after we heard previously how we want the children to only have age appropriate materials in their hands. Sounds like a recipe for us to close
087down the library entirely because of community outrage. Can you imagine 11-year-old taking a book that was designed for an 18-year-old? it. I'm sorry. What was that? I didn't I didn't catch >> sections have a middle. >> Madam Speaker, um Madame Chair, can I speak? >> None of the books that >> No, but none of the books have been taken from the middle school library that are in the high school library that I know of. >> No, they were voted down. You're right. Um, but my concern is if we're talking cuts and cut and cut and cut, it's death by a thousand cuts. >> How much are we willing to let our school bleed before we send it to a vote and then if it doesn't pass, um, we get it back and then we cut
088again and again and again because we keep voting on it till it does pass. We've already cut and we we have the paper four thou 4 425,000 in salaries and benefit cuts. That is a lot of cutting already. Um $425,000 in cuts just in salaries and position cuts. We have everything lined up here. We've already cut 62,862 cutting more. I understand we want to. It runs a dangerous precedent because if it gets voted down again, we're not leaving ourselves any safety net. Where is our safety net? We've always voted with the hope of having at least a little bit of padding so that if for example, Livermore had voted down if all three towns follow suit or two out of three follow suit, we go back and then then we cut to the bone. But
089if we do that now and then it gets voted down, what are we going to do? It's a dangerous precedent in my opinion. Um when I cannot support cutting further, in addition to that, I would like esports to get put back in here um because they deserve their sports as well. >> I'm just want to speak about the JV sports. Um I think there's a misunderstanding. No one said they were going to cut all the JV sports. Uh it was brought up to one of our fall coaches that had very low numbers last year and this person was told that if we have low numbers again that we might not be able to put a team together that we would cut that JV sport for this year. This is something that we've discussed in the
090past about if you don't have enough kids to run a program then you look to cut. It wasn't about cutting all JV sports. And I don't want people in the community to think that that's what we're looking at because we're not. >> Um to what Phoebe is saying, I am not looking to cut the budget down to the bare bones right here and right now. I'm trying to find a number that I feel will pass when the voters vote on it because it's not going to do any of us any good if that budget gets voted down, especially with the boiler project on the line. We need that to go through like now in order for it to be done this summer. So, I'm saying let's find a happy medium that we can present to
091the taxpayers that they know that we took the time to listen to them and cut some I also want to point out um just looking at the numbers, these are estimated numbers based on what the town's mill rates are right now. So if the budget were to pass at this amount right now, uh person in J who owns a $200,000 home would pay $176 more in taxes. person from Liverour with this new budget with a $200,000 home would pay $234 in tax more in taxes. And those in Livermore Falls, if they owned a $200,000 home would pay $82 more in taxes. Um, that's if the mill rate stays the same. It's not up to us whether we move the mill rate or not. And the only reason I give that number, I'm not giving that
092number to think, "Oh, that's not a lot or that's a little." But it's for people to actually be able to hear it and understand what it means to them. I mean, when you hear $800,000, that puts everybody into a panic. $800,000. What does it mean for each individual home homeowner? So that they can decide. I mean, they might think $82 is fine. They might think $82 puts them over the edge. I don't know. In each each home, that's what you'll never hear from me, though. that's not that much or that's too much, but I just want to put that information out so that people can make their own decisions when the time comes. Okay, I can afford that and I think enough about education to do that or that is going to break me. And
093I know we do have some families that that amount could break them. So, I just want people to have that information. >> Okay. And my only response to what Scott just said was um I don't know about the other towns, Livermore and Luma Falls, but in Jay our taxes doubled last year. I mean it was a shock when we got our tax bill and for us to ask more of people. Uh it's kind of rough even if it is a couple hundred dollars more. Any other comments before we move on to the adult ed budget? I need a number. what they want to do. The motion can be voted through whatever >> uh I make a motion that we accept the budget as presented. discussion >> maybe um I'd be comfortable with making an adjustment
094to make sure that esports is covered. Like I'm I'm not willing to to put that off the table. You know, these kids don't have anything else. They deserve that. Yeah. Uh, I would amend that recommendation, that motion to include the addition of one season if does that work for you? >> Hey, Phoebe. >> One season of V Sports. Thank you. Can I get a a roll call, Laura? No, >> no. >> Yes. >> Sarah, >> yes. >> Tammy, >> no. Michelle, >> no. >> Yes. >> No. >> Andrew, >> yes. Can I get another motion? >> I motion to accept the budget minus the board members uh stipend. Um it's lower than the amount that we had been voting on previously. And I would still like half the season, at least one season for the
095esports. That's my motion. Okay, Laura, let's get a roll call. >> Oh, discussion. >> Discussion. I think we've discussed it to death, but Okay. So, the the budget as is minus director's minus our stipens plus esports. >> One season. the budget as presented plus one season of esports minus the directors our salaries stipens. Okay, >> you got a question. Mason, >> are are we are you we allowed to do that? Are you allowed to do that? Just just uh are you allowed to serve in a voluntary capacity and not get an honorarium or stipent for? >> We would we would have to pass we would have to change our policy because at the moment the policy says that board members get $25 per meeting. >> So would So can we change it after the fact
096after we then pass if this were to pass pass the budget? How would that work? We would probably if someone wanted to sue us, they could because we're not following our own policy. >> Thank you. >> Except as board members, we take an oath not to sue our own school district and we'd be the only ones benefiting from that. Plus, we also receive benefits. So, we still are receiving a stipen, just not the $25, unless we want to make an amendment for that right now, which I'm happy to do so. Um if you look at the budget, the um direct directors do receive a >> um I can adjust it to a dollar if that makes it easier for everybody. >> That's easy. >> I'm happy to amend that to a dollar a meeting. I
097mean people and we've had board members in the past who have donated their money back to the district which they're allow any individual is allowed to do but it's not making it's for everybody to do that and it's not going against policy but it's not something that you'd put in a motion. Um, Phoebe, I appreciate where you're going with this, but I have a real problem voting against our own policies, which this board has done in the past, and I didn't like it then. I wouldn't do it now. >> So, I I would suggest maybe amending that. >> Okay. Um, I will withdraw that and I will open it up for someone else to make an amendment then or um a motion. I make a motion that the administrators revisit the budget and reduce it
098by 200,000. I second >> discussion. Looking at our budget increases, um 200,000 is more than our entire transportation um changes. It is more than our general instruction increase that we are requesting. um these cuts that you are requesting our administrators to do. um that we are as a board um is literally combining >> um is is literally asking for that bone cut I was warning everyone about earlier that is cutting off a leg. I'm just curious by that. >> I would like to amend that to include the esports back in but cut 200,000. >> All right. Right. So, the motion on the table is to cut 200,000 from the current budget. And Scott said he will find a way to add esports back in one season. >> Okay. Can we get a roll call? >>
099Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> No. >> Sarah Jameson. >> No. Yes. >> Andrew. >> No. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Okay. I apologize. Um, let's move on to uh Adult Ed. So before I go line by line, I just want to reiterate what Scott prefaced. Um there was a significant adult ed funding formula change that occurred unexpectedly this year. None of us knew about it. The state director of adult ed didn't know about it. There's some legislation that's on the table right now, but it has not passed. Um, but the funding formula for us changed regardless. So, please know that this is um kind of a scary time for adult dead directors because we don't know if it's going to be money that is lumped in with our subsidy, whether it's going to be taken
100out of future grant funding for us. It's really hasn't been decided yet. So, um, when we found out about this change, my initial draft budget was already in the hands of Scott and Crystal. We had to sit down many times and kind of revamp this. On the surface, it looks like this is a win for adult ed because the money is coming directly to us. But I want to point out that in the past, we were a part of the ED279 report. So, if you looked on page two last year, it said something and this is not the total dollar amount. So, I want to be very clear, but what it said on the ED279 is that because we served so many 16 to 20 year old students that generated the equivalent before proration $540,000.
101That money didn't go to us directly, adult ed, it went to the general fund. So, even though Scott is saying like that's not we weren't charged rent, it was kind of like that's our that is our rent money. So, that money isn't there anymore. The real loss of this is to the district. The district is not getting that money that we would generate through adult debt. So any of the increases that you would see in my proposed budget is because that money is coming directly to us now. But we also have an increase in budget lines. Um just as Scott talked about, you'll see like repairs and maintenance, a copy release, insurance costs so that we can kind of keep that symbiotic relationship. um regardless of how the funding is coming to us. Does anyone
102have any questions about that before I start? >> How did this cut and this massive change actually happen from where to where? Who made these decisions? >> That is a great question. Um we've been asking that for quite a while. So, >> does this come from the state or is this from federal? >> This is the state. decision. >> Um, I sat on a committee and went to Augusta many Fridays looking at how adult is funded. I think it we were not funded appropriately. We're I still feel as though adult ed is not funded appropriately for the work that we are required to do by state and federal law. Um, so we had talked about ways that adult ed could be funded correctly. you know, just like the K through 12, they're kind of looking
103at a 55%. Um, historically, we were looking at about 50%, but it's it our funding formula is very different from the K through 12. So, when we go through the budget, um, we can kind of talk about subsidy as well. Subsidy for adult ed is based on local funding. So, the more support you have locally, the more money that you can get in return in subsidy from the state. So if any time we decide to cut the adult dead budget, I want to make it very clear that you will tank that subsidy. And I ran that calculation for Scott and Crystal as we developed this like just as a what if. Right. So right now we're getting $115,000 in subsidy in three years time if we had cut I think the proposed I think it
104was $60,000 we put in for a a calculation. If we had cut $60,000 out of the budget in three years time that subsidy check would have decreased to 83,000 and it would just keep going down after that. So anytime the budget stays stagnant for too long or we don't increase it for like basic cost of living, whatever it may be, that number begins to dwindle down. So then you're kind of having to make so much revenue that you're eating the your own costs of it. Thank you so much. >> I don't know where those I don't know why they made the decision that they did, especially where that legislation is still on the table. That puts us in a very difficult spot because if this means that everything's rolled into one and we lose out
105on grant money, I don't know where that leaves us, but yes. So, I'll go line by line if there are no questions. The first two administrative salaries, those are contractually obligated lines. Main PERS, same thing. Professional credits, that's a cut of $2,800. We have someone that finished a master's degree and someone that's still enrolled in a master's degree. So, we have some money put in there. Um staff professional development. Um last year we put in 3,000. We're going to keep it the same. the person that went to the national conference, she was asked by the national director to go and they gave her a direct stipen. So, we didn't end up using that money, but in the future, we certainly will. Repairs and maintenance, you'll see that there's $5,000 cut there, but it's actually you'll
106see it below under the overhead expenses later when we go through those new those new lines. Advertising, the cost for paper and printing continues to go up. Um and we have not completed all of that advertising for the year yet. So that line will be ex Yeah, that will be totally expended by the end of the year. Um and we added 500 there. Travel to state meetings, there are more meetings in person now than there were in previous years as we're kind of rebounding from COVID. So um that we were going to put that up $100. Propane that went down. Um dues and fees stayed the same. line 11 and 12, that is the custodian that we pay for. Um, so there are some adjustments on that. And then lines 13 through 22, those are
107all lines that we put in there as sort of like our our rent to the district. So you'll see repairs and maint maintenance 5,000. Um, the copy lease went up a,000. Auto and property insurance went up 4500. Postage, we know that that went up, so that's 200. Communications, that's up 5,000. Travel up 100. Supplies 3,000. Propane up 500. Electricity 3500. Heating oil 13,000. >> Yes. They're very kind about that. >> Uh line 23. So this is um the administrator salary for being the chief highet examiner. Um that requires a a master's degree and someone that is there dedicated for proctoring the exam. Um the rest of the lines no different. Vulcan work ready. Those are our workforce classes. You'll see that some of the lines there have not been expended. The 60,000 that's in line
10829. That's going to be our that is our CDL class. That hasn't started yet, but that will be expended. Um but there are no changes for the next fiscal year. Um again contractual obligations for 31 and 32 for support salaries and benefits. GED high school completion that was already in there as the full amount for the instructors. So no change is in any of those lines under GED and high school completion. That was already local funded there. Um but then what you will see is the full amount for instructional costs for um adult transition. So you'll see that looks like a big increase. We've put that all into the budget here that you're seeing. That's not nothing being pulled out of grants for these. So you're seeing the salaries of um an increase of 27,35243.
109Um, we are proposing that we have a very part-time edtech that is helping us out. Um, one thing that I did leave out in like a budget highlight, um, we served 75 students between the ages of 16 and 20 last year. So, having an edte that can kind of help with that as we're kind of seeing some of the um, the students come in with lower level literacy rates. um we want to be able to address that with somebody else in the classroom as well as a support person. Again, very part-time. We put that in at $6,000. And then again, the rest there of the uh the benefits for teachers, the edtech benefits, you know, again, contractual, same with main pers stays the same. Hold on just a second, Rob. Do we have any questions
110on the adult dead so far? >> Can you just say that number again? How many students did you service for credit recovery? >> It wasn't credit recovery. It's um the number of students that came to us between the ages of 16 and 20. >> Okay. >> Um that was 75 students over the course of a year last year. Okay. Okay. Um then we're on to community programs. This is for when we have classes for anybody in the community. We just want to make sure that um there's a small amount there. Generally, it kind of just pays for itself, but there's no difference there. So that's, you know, 500, 50, 50, and a thousand to make sure that that's covered to run those enrichment programs. Local literacy was the same as adult transitions. We're making sure
111that all of those salary amounts are in the local budget. So you're seeing those increases, but again, as we're getting that money from the state directly, that's covering the cost. There are there there will be no additional cost to taxpayers through the adult ed budget. So, I just want to make very clear that when you're seeing those spikes, it's because we've put those dollar amounts into the budget. So, that looks like an increase of $30, $350.82 for salaries. Benefits a little over 10 grand. You have mainstate retirement in there. No change the supply line. and then contractual agreements for support salaries and benefits in local literacy. Do you want me to go through the revenues? Yes. Okay. So, each town contributes 66,000 for the adult ed program. Um we are anticipating that we will make
112$100,000 um mainly off of our workforce classes. We have some revenue coming in through what we refer to as Ed to go. It's an online platform where students if it's something that we're not offering in person, they can take online classes and then some people sign up for that and then we get a kickback when they do those classes. Um state subsidy, you'll see the big jump there. That is the line where where I'm talking. So, we're going to get $115,000 in subsidy costs. So, that's calculated by looking at how much we spend in instructional, administrative, and supply lines, and it's prorated at 75, 70, and 50% and then it goes through another proration amount. Um, so that comes out to $115,000 plus the $150,000 that's coming to us directly to Adulta. is not that
113is no longer in the ED279 report. And then we have um some carryover money that we're using to to balance the budget this year. Jody, um I'm just noticing on the adult ed fees, um the actual is really low. Is that because everything happens like in the spring? We have an outside. So what kind of what we talked about in that meeting. Um >> so we have a a funer that works with our students. So Eastern Main Development will cut us a large check once an entire cohort has gone through a program. >> Okay. >> So where we're still mid-stream with our workforce classes for the entire year, we haven't gotten that reimbursement check yet. >> Okay. So that should level out similar to what it was in 25. >> Okay. Y Thank you. Absolutely.
114Any other questions for Robin? >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. Food services. You can run but you can't hide. And I just want to premise for food service. No local money goes to food service. So >> is your mic on? I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Yes. All right. uh salaries and wages. Um because we're um going to be giving them an increase and I also have a position that hasn't been filled in a while. Um I do have some interviews coming up. Hopefully we can get that filled. Uh benefits. Um an increase in insurance. Um, main peers, we have one employee who is still in the main peers. Uh, repairs and maintenance, no change. Communication and technology, no change. Travel, no change. General supplies, no change. Propane, we decreased by,300.
115That's gas for the grill. We're going to have a big barbecue this summer. Uh food, we're expecting um a 10% increase um increase of $47,962. Also, an increase in non-food items of 10% with $2,000. Equipment, um we have a decrease of $150,000. Supply and equipment stayed the same. dues and fees stayed the same. >> The the 10% in food, is is that an average or I mean it seems like food has gone up a lot more than that. >> Yeah, it's an it's an average. >> It's an average. >> Yes. And revenues. Would you like me to go over the revenues? >> Yes. Um, so daily sales, non-reimburseable, uh, $3,000 increase, refunds, the no increase on that. The lunch that is paid by the state, we expect an increase of $40,290. Local produce stayed the
116same. Lunch breakfast from the state, an increase of $118. Breakfast paid by the state, an increase of $6,821. Afterchool snack program, an increase of $500. Summer food program, an increase of $1,000. Grant donations stayed the same. School meals reimburseable stayed the same. Federal lunch fees an increase of $25,839. Federal breakfast an increase of $7,296. Food service state funding stayed the same. fruit and veggie program an increase of 15,000 and carry over 113,000. >> Any questions for Sharon? >> Yes. >> 40,000 >> 40,290 is uh paid state lunch a decrease. No, that's an increase. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> I just question um line seven on general supplies. Our budget was 21,800, but our actual in 25 was only 3500 and our actual in 26 is only 2,200, but we're still budgeting 21,800. What is that?
117So that's like small wares. Um could be like a microwave, blenders, mixers that doesn't fall under equipment because equipment is like more expensive stuff. Refrigerators, ovens, and we still have three months left. >> Okay. Just just seems high to me. >> Yes. uh been on the board a while. I remember the year that we lost a freezer and that exploded the budget. We actually went over that year. So, I understand the general like supplies. Um it it can seem like a lot until something breaks and that then it's nightmare fuel because you have all this refrigerated good and that affects everything else because if that spoils you have to replace all of that which then is the offset with that. Um I remember that that was brutal. >> It is good to have a little
118padding. >> The other reminder with food service is anything we don't spend in food service goes back to food service. It doesn't go into the general fund. So everything just keeps cycling around just like a delta ed, which is a definite advantage. >> Thank you, Scott. >> Any other questions for Sharon? >> Holly, >> I guess this is more for Scott. >> So, that 21,800 is for small appliances like blenders and stuff and the equipment is what? the freezers and refrigeration >> and like the like the skillet that they just got in the double burning under the equipment. >> Yeah, correct. >> Okay. So, they are two different entities. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Uh just to clarify, uh when our big freezer broke, we had to wait for a delivery. So, we did have
119to purchase small ones which fell under that budget at that time. Just to clarify for the general public. Yes. >> Knowledge. Okay. >> Yep. You're welcome. You We didn't have a Did we have a new it? I didn't see a pink sheet. >> Nothing yet for you guys. >> No. >> To vote on? >> No. Okay. Um so we will have a meeting next Thursday, March 5th to discuss just the budget and the next regular budget uh the next regular school board meeting will be March 12th um where we'll do the warrants. Can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> All those in favor?