Proposed SAD 35 budget up nearly 5 percent Student transportation, technology major reasons By Mark Pechenik news@seacoastonline March 11, 2014 2:00 AM SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — The School Administrative District 35 proposed 2015 budget, representing a nearly 5 percent increase over current fiscal year funding, has been released. If approved by the School Board and, later, district voters, the budget would rise from the current $28,129,396.93 to $29,434,915 — an increase of $1,305,518, or 4.64 percent. Local assessment from district communities would also see an increase. In Eliot, this would mean a 4.8 percent jump from $8,192,600.29 to $8,582,778.20. In South Berwick, it would be 3.5 percent, from $7,005.940.12 to $7,254,561.80. Among the biggest cost factors in the proposed budget are a 34.5 percent increase in technology expenditures and a 32.2 percent increase in student transportation. Regarding technology, Superintendent Mary Nash explained that the purchase of tablet computers and similar devices is necessary to better prepare elementary school students for new state standardized tests. In addition, said Nash, we also propose purchasing new devices for all teachers in the district since the units they are using now cannot be sufficiently repaired because the equipment is, on average, 6 years old. As to student transportation, Nash maintained that two of the districts school buses require repairs of $15,000 each due to extensive rust issues. She further recommended to the board that three new school buses be purchased — one of which will be reimbursed through state funding. Nash cited three key areas of focus in the budget which she called investments for our children, investments to maintain our highly qualified staff and investments in our infrastructure. For students, Nashs budget highlights include emphasis on a rigorous academic program, a vibrant fine arts program, a robust physical education and wellness program, and tiered mental health services at Marshwood High School. Among the superintendents objectives for teachers is further training and development enabling them to better prepare students for proficiency-based diplomas — a state requirement by 2018. As explained by Nash, such diplomas would put greater emphasis on a graduating high school students ability to master academic concepts, rather than test scores. Infrastructure recommendations made by Nash would encompass such measures as the hiring of an electrician that would be shared by several school districts. Also, the districts bookkeeper position would be converted into an accounting manager position to better oversee the new financial software system. Nash cited such software among cost-saving efficiencies within the new budget. Also under consideration is the purchase of propane storage tanks to help lower rising fuel costs. Perhaps the most significant of these measures is her recommendation that education funding passed by the state legislature last summer, after the district budget had been passed, be returned to voters. I am recommending to the board that they consider returning the entire amount of $374,499 to our local taxpayers as part of the FY15 budget process, said Nash. Budget workshops will be taking place throughout March and April before a final budget is offered to voters in May.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 11:16:31 +0000
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