OXFORD — Oxford Hills School District officials will hold two more hearings next week as the Budget Committee prepares to finalize its proposed $35.8 million spending plan for 2013-14.
On April 24, a hearing will be held at the Agnes Gray Elementary School for West Paris and Hebron residents; on April 25, a meeting will be held at the Waterford Memorial School for Waterford and Harrison residents. Both meetings start at 7 p.m. and are open to residents of any community who may have missed previous budget hearings.
Earlier this month, school officials held meetings for Oxford, Otisfield, Norway and Paris residents.
Last month, Superintendent Rick Colpitts unveiled a $35,890,031 budget, saying it will require, on average, a 6.5 percent local share increase.
The proposed budget represents a 2.07 percent increase over last year’s budget. The $1.1 million increase in expenditures includes money for the district’s newly required share of teacher retirement at $419,000 and $438,000 in increased health insurance costs. The budget also includes a $300,050 increase for salaries.
Colpitts said at the time that the budget does not address the large class sizes now in effect primarily at the fifth and sixth grade levels, the local share of approved revolving renovation money, funding to replace roofs at least three school buildings or close to $3 million in other requests submitted by managers.
School officials say the proposed budget will affect local towns differently. Some towns, such as Hebron, Waterford and West Paris, may see increases in the local assessment of 4 to 5 percent, while others such as Otisfield and Paris will see an increase of close to 10 percent or more in assessments.
With an average 6.5 percent local share increase, the district remains nearly 6 percent under state minimum assessment, according to the current state funding formula.
The Budget Committee is set to finalize the budget May 1, followed by the May 6 vote by the district’s Board of Directors. That will be held at 7 p.m. in administration offices in Oxford.
On June 6, voters from the eight district towns will meet at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School at 7 p.m. for the budget hearing and meeting to vote on each line item.
On June 11, a budget validation referendum will be held at the polls in each town.
ldixon@sunjournal.com
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