MEXICO — RSU 10 Superintendent Tom Ward reviewed the proposed $36.2 million budget at Wednesday night’s public hearing, telling the few residents in attendance that nine positions were among the cuts.
Another hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Buckfield Town Office.
The 2013-14 budget represents a 2.95 increase from this year. Ward said along with the nine positions, there were significant cuts in technology updates, building maintenance and building supplies.
He said 69 staff positions have been eliminated since RSU was formed four years ago from the former SADs 39 in Buckfield, 21 in Dixfield and 43 in Rumford. RSU 10 includes the towns of Canton, Carthage, Dixfield, Peru, Buckfield, Hartford, Sumner, Byron, Mexico, Roxbury, Rumford and Hanover.
He said the total overall property tax impact on the 12 towns dropped by a total of just over $53,000. However, state valuation, pupil numbers and the amount of state aid determines how much each town must pay.
“I’ve been to every town’s Board of Selectmen to explain the tax impact,” Ward said.
He also said the cost per pupil ranges from a low of $3,160 for the 400 students from Mexico to a high of $13,602 for the 28 students from Roxbury.
Ward said overall property values in the 12 towns have declined by $45 million and those declines are expected to continue.
The proposed budget does not include about $445,000 Gov. Paul LePage has proposed the district pay toward teachers’ retirement.
Ward said if the state Legislature should approve the governor’s proposal, the budget would have to be modified. Legislative action is not expected until after RSU 10 residents vote on the budget.
If necessary, another school budget vote would be held, most likely sometime in July, and would include further cuts.
Ward said if those cuts are needed, the middle school sports program would likely be changed to a club format with volunteer coaches, saving about $262,000. Another $62,000 could be cut by eliminating each school’s leadership teams.
Wednesday’s hearing was held at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology.
A districtwide budget meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. May 30 at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford. A validation referendum is scheduled June 11.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
