Staff Writer
HODGDON — A $6.3 million annual budget gained initial approval from SAD 70’s board of directors Monday night.
The budget total, up roughly $200,000 overall, includes actual increases to member towns of just over $137,000. The budget, described as “bare bones,” factors in a variety of cuts and cut backs, but does not include the staff cuts that were being considered at one point.
“This is a tight budget year and these lines are very fine, [but] … we’ve done what we could to save positions,” explained Superintendent Bob McDaniel, who expressed appreciation to the teacher’s association and the administration for their help in finding ways to avert staff cuts.
Board members echoed that appreciation.
“I’m just very glad to hear we’re not cutting positions,” said Board Member Billy Fitzpatrick.
Staff may stay intact, but other line items will be impacted. Budget cuts and their proposed savings include: cutting a bus run, $20,600; changes to harvest break, $19,000; no administrative pay raises, $10,000; and decreases in supply purchases, $24,000 — just to name a few.
The district is also planning various measures to increase energy efficiency at their buildings. This includes working with Energy Management Consultants (EMC) on a plan to replace lighting at the high school, elementary and superintendent’s office. Incentives available this year would put costs at $30,000 and projected energy savings would be over $10,000 annually, according to information from EMC.
But even with all the work put into developing the budget proposal, the district is still more than $1 million over the state’s “Essential Programs and Services” formula — a formula designed to dictate spending guidelines for districts. More than one board member expressed appreciation to the finance committee which helped assemble the 2008-2009 budget, but also voiced concerns about the budget’s ability to gain favor with district voters.
“[This budget] is about good stewardship for our schools; I just wonder if we can sell it,” added Joel Oliver, vice-chairman of the school board.
“Every board member needs to go to their towns and sell this budget,” said Board Member David Cassidy.
The biggest factor, said McDaniel, is just making sure the public knows what went into developing the budget and what costs and cuts are reflected in its totals.
“They have to understand that there are costs that we have no control over,” he said.
