Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two public budget votes and why is it important to attend the budget meeting June 1st?
Why can’t I just vote on June 9th?
The June 1st meeting is very important. The June 1st meeting is where the individual budget amounts in each of school “cost centers†or programs will be discussed and voted on by all residents of all five towns in the RSU at once. Members of all five towns (Richmond, Hallowell, Farmingdale, Monmouth and Dresden) will participate in the meeting to determine how much money will be spent in each of the different cost centers.
For example the budget amount for special education (article 2) will be discussed and voted on. If the amount is reduced this reduction will be reflected in the total budget number represented on the ballot on June 9th. There will not be an opportunity at the June 9th meeting to change the amount allocated to any of the individual cost centers.
The June 9th Budget Validation Referendum will only allow you to vote on the total overall budget number that was determined at the June 1st meeting.
It’s a bit of a pain to come to vote on the budget on two different days. Therefore the individual town officials will be present at the June 1st meeting with absentee ballots. You will be able to cast your Budget Validation Referendum vote after the June 1st meeting has concluded. By using an absentee ballot you can get all your voting done on June 1st and not have to revisit the voting booth on the 9th.
Further questions? Please call your school board representative listed on the “Contacts†page on the web site.
Has the RSU added any new headcount?
No. The total headcount for the RSU in 2009-2010 is 358.9 full-time employees, same as the combined headcount for the current year.
Have any positions been eliminated?
Yes. (1) ½ time Asst. Principal, (1) Teacher, (2) part-time Superintendents, and (1) Business Manager position have been eliminated.
How much is the RSU budgeting for fuel costs? How does that compare to last year?
Due to the decreased price of fuel, the RSU is projecting costs to be approximately $119,000 lower for the upcoming year.
With the funding situation, why were these positions created?
The RSU is now responsible for more than 2,300 students and (10) schools. There is a necessary level of supervision needed to manage personnel, programs, budgets and vendors. The new positions will also be responsible for developing ways to streamline RSU operations and achieve savings in key areas such as food services, transportation, technology, building maintenance, etc.
Have any new positions been created of filled?
Yes. (4) New titles were expanded: ICT Director, Food Services Director, Transportation Director, Buildings and Grounds Director and one new position Curriculum Director. All of the positions except the Curriculum Director positions were filled via internal transfer, from the local to the RSU.
What will the impact of new teacher contracts be?
With the exception of Monmouth, which is currently negotiating a new contract, all of the other teacher contracts remain in place until their expiration in 2011-2012. No contracts will be changed/modified upon transition to the RSU.
With enrollment continuing to decline, why aren’t costs declining?
While enrollment has declined at a slow rate over the past few years the total number has been too small to allow for reductions of staff or classrooms. The RSU projects a total decline of 23 students in the upcoming year, in a population of 2,343 total students (1%).
What projects are in the budget for capital improvements or repair?
Dresden: Replace fire alarm panel (antiquated, not code compliant); Security access control main entrance; Roof replacement (small roof tank storage room)
Richmond: Roof repairs (part of restoration plan); Add exterior security lighting (safety security); Door replacements (many doors past expected life, efficiency, pest control); Phase II lighting (efficiency)
Hall-Dale: Add security cameras; Flooring and matting (life cycle replacement); Paving (additional parking at Elementary School); Painting and trim repair.
Monmouth: Phase I flooring (asbestos tile under worn carpet – remove at Cottrell School and replace with vinyl tile); Roof repair / restoration (life cycle maintenance); Handicap ramp at Middle School; Boiler repair (leaking sections); Install storm water drain at Cottrell School (water and snow melt floods entrance hall); Door replacement (Some doors and frames are well beyond expected life. They have rusted significantly and are both a pest control and an efficiency issue.)
Is a new school in Monmouth being considered?
Yes. The cost of maintaining older facilities will continue to increase. The RSU will begin the process of assessing and planning for a new facility. The timeframes and application process will be determined over the next year.
If the RSU is only increasing the overall budget by 0.5%, why the big increase for local taxpayers
Two main reasons 1.) The state is unable to meet their funding obligations outlined in LD1 (55% funding target), and have shifted the funding requirement to the towns and 2.) Local property values in the RSU towns increased significantly year to year, requiring more money to be raised locally to acquire the targeted state subsidy.
How much (1) have we spent to date and (2) project spending on merger-related items?
$31,205 spent to date. The RSU anticipates spending approximately $23,625 more before July 1st, as there is significant legal work to be done to complete the transition.
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