KidsRSU^1.0

What is going to happen to our schools?

What is going to happen to our schools?

The School Consolidation law was not intended for schools to close.  According to L.D. 499, the law states that the citizens will ultimately get the final say.

If we consolidate will my taxes go up?

If we consolidate will my taxes go up?

The answer cannot be determined at this point in time since multiple factors need to be addressed.  i.e. (evaluation, enrollment, contracts, start-up costs)

Will we only have one Superintendent of Schools?

Will we only have one Superintendent of Schools?

If yes, how will you decide who it will be?  Yes, we will have one superintendent of schools for the Dresden, Farmingdale, Hallowell, Monmouth, and Richmond school unit.  Upon approval by the citizens of the RSU in June 2008, each community will elect representative(s) to the newly formed Regional School Unit.  It will be their duty to advertise and elect a superintendent in the spring of 2009.  The new superintendent will then get his/her budget and set up his/her office staff to be ready for July 1, 2009. 

How will you decide whom to keep for teachers and staff?

How will you decide whom to keep for teachers and staff?

There are no immediate plans to reduce teachers or any other staff members.

Will you expand the curriculum with the consolidation?

Will you expand the curriculum with the consolidation?

The option of sharing courses and faculty between schools as well as other district resources is currently being examined.

What about transportation, i.e. busses?

What about transportation, i.e. busses?

Currently the RPC is assessing the needs of each town and examining ways to economize fuel purchases and maintenance etc.

Have you done a financial analysis of the consolidation?

Have you done a financial analysis of the consolidation?

This process is currently being conducted.

Who is going to own the schools when we consolidate?

Who is going to own the schools when we consolidate?

According to the law, the RSU.

Who decided that schools needed to consolidate?

Who decided that schools needed to consolidate?

The Governor of Maine, Mr. John Baldacci.

Why are we merging with Monmouth since it’s so far away from the other schools?

Why are we merging with Monmouth since it’s so far away from the other schools?

According to LD 499, a new school district needed to have 2500 students. Geography makes little difference to the business administration of schools.  All four superintendents have a bond of trust and similar philosophies regarding the education of our students.

How will the Regional School Committee be represented?

How will the Regional School Committee be represented?

Will someone from each Town sit on the Committee?  The Governance Committee has addressed this issue.  Yes, Richmond will have a vote and a voice on the new school committee.  All member votes will be weighted according to Town 2006 census population.

Are you going to come up with all new policies or are you going to adopt existing policies?

Are you going to come up with all new policies or are you going to adopt existing policies?

It will be up to the new Regional School Committee to take the four policy binders and create one district policy binder.

How will the school’s finances be handled?

How will the school’s finances be handled?

Once the RSU is formed and approved, the schools’ finances will be addressed as a unit, not individual towns.

How will sports be affected?

How will sports be affected?

There will be no change.

Will you be renaming this consolidated district?

Will you be renaming this consolidated district?

One suggestion has been KIDS = “Kennebec Intra-District Schools” and the RPC has voted to approve this name.