News

MSAD 15 budget overview, June 24 public hearing, July 14 vote

TO:                            MSAD 15 Community

FROM:                     Craig King, Superintendent

DATE:                       June 15, 2020

RE:                             School Budget Public Hearing

                                   School Budget Referendum

This memo is designed to inform you as to how you can participate in both the MSAD 15 Remote Public Hearing and the MSAD 15 Budget Referendum Vote.  This memo also provides a snapshot of the school budget and how you can access more extensive school budget information.

MSAD 15 will not be holding the traditional Budget Validation town meeting as has been the historical practice.  Rather, as allowed by Executive Order No. 56, MSAD 15 will hold a Remote Public Hearing in which the school board will provide a thorough overview of the school budget and provide a forum for public participation:  

At the remote public hearing, citizens will be able to:

  • Ask questions of the school board regarding the school budget.
  • Make comments regarding the school budget.
  • Offer opinions regarding the school budget.

The remote public hearing will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.  Citizens can enter the meeting by logging in on the Zoom App at:  https://networkmaine.zoom.us/s/85354363109

Each household in the school district should have received in their mailboxes the MSAD 15 Community Update Budget Edition, which contains extensive school budget information.  If you do not have this, you may view an electronic copy by clicking on the link at www.msad15.org or on any district website (scroll to the bottom of the page and click MSAD 15 Community Update).  There is also a Budget icon that can be clicked to find extensive school budget information.

Armed with this information, all citizens are encouraged to participate in the Budget Referendum Vote:

July 14, 2020

6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fire Station, 611 Lewiston Road, New Gloucester (location for Gray residents is Newbegin Gym)

The second part of this memo provides a snapshot of the budget proposal.  Thank you for your support of MSAD 15 schools and I hope you will be able to attend the remote public hearing and cast your vote in the budget referendum.

Budget Snapshot

Warrant Articles 2020-21       % Change from 2019-20        Budget Drivers

Article 1 Regular Instruction (includes Gifted & Talented and English Language Learners) .29% Reduction of 2.5 teachers; Reduction in workers compensation insurance
Article 2 Special Education 8.95%     Increases in placements in specialty schools; Increases in occupational and physical therapy and psychological services
Article 3 Career & Technical – PATHS 0% State pays tuition directly
Article 4 Other Instruction- co-curricular, athletics 1.04% Addition of volleyball; Addition of middle school lacrosse
Article 5 Student and Staff Support 3.53% Delay in social studies curriculum replacement; Technology staffing restructured to this article (from article 1)
Article 6 System Administration 6.83% Increase in office support (curriculum and accounts payable)
Article 7 School Administration 1.66% Maintain current staffing; Decrease in telephone expenses
Article 8 Transportation & Buses (3.26%) Eliminate bus replacement; Decrease in vehicle repairs and fuel
Article 9 Facilities Maintenance (4.84%) Delay in some capital investments; Decrease in summer custodian help; Decrease in electricity costs (due to Solar); Decrease in fuel costs
Article 10 Debt Service (5.20%) Decrease in interest payments
Article 11 All Other Expenditure (Nutrition) 50.00% Additional support for nutrition program

Miscellaneous Information

  • The total expense budget request is $28,245,284, representing a 1.6% increase over last year’s school budget
  • The total revenue budget includes a $544,912 increase in state funding plus a $1,100,000 contribution from the district’s unexpended fund balance
  • The amount assessed to our communities will decrease by $70,922
    • The town tax impact for Gray is a decrease of $29,738
    • The town tax impact for the town of New Gloucester is a decrease of $41,284
  • MSAD 15 is projected to have 1,891 students enrolled in five schools next year
  • This budget includes costs associated with the recently ratified contract between the MSAD 15 School Board and MSAD 15 Teachers’ Association