ANDOVER — The SAD 44 board all but approved a proposed 2011-12 operating budget of $9.6 million at their meeting Monday.
Superintendent David Murphy said official action will be taken at the April 25 board meeting at Woodstock Elementary School.
The proposed figure does not include any cost savings that could be realized by closure of Andover Elementary School. However, the future of the small school is still up in the air.
He said the Finance Committee will bring two, $9.6 million proposals to the April 25 meeting. One will include keeping the Andover school open. The second will show how the cost savings for closing the school would be spent.
As the budget proposal stands now, several teachers and two educational technicians will lose their jobs at the end of the school year. Murphy said that is largely due to the end of federal stimulus funding, and a loss of Title I money.
During the budget development process, $120,000 has been cut from Woodstock Elementary School, resulting in fewer teachers or educational technicians and elimination of administration.
Also, a retirement benefit was offered for those eligible. Just two teachers and one educational technician took advantage of the district’s offer. Murphy had hoped several others would have, as well. The incentive deadline has now expired.
Last year’s adopted budget was about $9.1 million.
In other matters at Monday’s meeting, Telstar Middle School Principal Sandra Schroeder submitted her resignation. She has served the school for three years. Murphy said her position will be filled.
The district was also invited by the Maine Educational Loan Marketing Corp. foundation to apply for a grant. The district had received one in 2003 that allowed tracking of students who graduated.
Murphy said plans are to file for the grant. He does not know the amount of the possible funding.
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