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 8th?
The June 1st meeting is very important. The June 1st meeting is where the individual budget amounts in each “cost center” 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 11 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 8th. There will not be an opportunity on June 8th meeting to change the amount allocated to any of the individual cost centers.
The June 8th Budget Validation Referendum will only allow you to vote on the total overall budget number that was determined at the June 1st meeting.
Question 1. Do you favor approving the Regional School Unit No. 2 budget for the upcoming school year that was adopted at the latest Regional School Unit budget meeting?
YES ______ NO _______
Question 2. Do you wish to continue the budget validation referendum process in RSU #2 for an additional three years? YES ____ NO ___
Informational note:
A Yes vote will require RSU #2 to continue to conduct a referendum to validate its annual school budget for the next three years.
A No vote will discontinue the budget validation referendum for at least 3 years and provide instead that the annual school budget shall be finally adopted at a meeting of the RSU.
It is inconvenient 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.
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 was 358.9 full-time employees.
Have any positions been eliminated?
Yes. (1) Half time Asst. Principal, (1) Teacher, (2) part-time Superintendents, and (1) Business Manager position have been eliminated and next year 11.5 budget positions and 5 Federally funded positions.
Have any new positions been created of filled?
Positions that were expanded to include all RSU responsibilities: 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 were filled via internal transfer, from the local to the RSU.
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 and comply with State regulations. The new titles/reorganized 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.
What anticipated projects are in the budget for capital improvements or repair?
Dresden: Replace fire alarm panel (antiquated, not code compliant); Add security cameras; 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 III lighting (efficiency); Add security cameras; School Revolving Renovation Application: Heating/Ventilation Units
Hall-Dale: Additional security cameras; Flooring and matting (life cycle replacement); Painting and trim repair.
Monmouth: Roof repair / restoration (life cycle maintenance); 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.); Windows replacement in lower hallway; New Construction Application
With enrollment continuing to decline, why aren’t costs declining?
Enrollments:
2007 = 2450 2008 = 2342 2009 = 2262 Decrease = -188
Budgets:
$26,016,738 $24,983,169 $23,566,842 - $2,449,896
What will the impact of new teacher contracts be?
All of the teacher contracts remain in place until their expiration in 2011-2012. No contract can be changed/modified until they are re-negotiated.
Is a new school in Monmouth being considered?
Yes. The cost of maintaining older facilities will continue to increase. The RSU has begun 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 1.7%, why the 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 more than the state average, requiring more money to be raised locally to acquire the targeted state subsidy.
How will the meeting on June 1st be conducted?
Very similar to a “town meeting” conducted by a moderator.
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