LIVERMORE FALLS — Residents of RSU 73 voted Tuesday night to keep money in the 2014-15 budget for a reading teacher and eliminate funds for an administrative support position at Spruce Mountain High School.
A vote on the entire budget, proposed at $18.86 million, had not been held by midevening. Neither was there a vote on whether to keep a section of the former Livermore Falls High School open.
About 100 people from Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls nearly filled the cafeteria of the former high school.
An overwhelming majority favored keeping the Read 180 teacher position held by Jenna Cote.
Cote said the program, which had been funded through the district’s School Improvement Grant for several years, said a definite improvement in reading, spelling, writing and other language arts skills has been seen in the students who participate in the program.
Board Chairwoman Denise Rodzen also advocated for putting money for the position back in the budget. She amended the motion calling for $7.99 million for regular instruction to add $67,000.
“We’re talking middle-of-the-road students,” she said of those served by the program.
Teacher Chris Ellingwood said the intent of the district was to continue the program once the grant ran out.
The proposed $974,644 administration budget was cut by $37,174 to eliminate a Spruce Mountain High School’s administrative support position.
High school Principal T.J. Plourde argued that the person in the hourly position provides significant assistance with a variety of tasks.
Jay board member Kathryn McAninch agreed with the need to retain the position.
“I have worked in an office. It’s an eye-opening experience,” she said. “(This position) is another set of eyes, ears, and two extra hands to maybe help resolve what’s going on.”
A majority of voters agreed with Rodzen to cut the administrative budget.
Voters approved a $94,000 increase in other instruction, which includes sports and other activities; $2.4 million for special education, which is up $100,000; and $1.6 million for student and staff support, up $69,000.
A referendum on the budget will be held April 29 in each town.
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- Jenna Cote, Read 180 teacher in RSU 73, argues to restore the teaching position during the budget vote Tuesday night at the former Livermore Falls High School.
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