Adjusted School Budget Headed to Whitefield Voters

The Lincoln County News, July 23,2008
By Lucy L. Martin

Whitefield school and budget committees have agreed to a school spending plan that would raise property taxes about 6.38 percent and retain a lower elementary teaching position.

Reaching accord took effort because of mixed views on keeping that position.

At the school board's July 16 meeting Supt. Francis Boynton said, "The best budget academically is the one with the teacher (position left in); economically, it's the one without the teacher."

School board chairman Lester Sheaffer had asked Boynton before the meeting to craft a budget reflecting removal of the teacher.

Frustration was evident as the divided board anguished over whether voters would accept keeping the teacher, or, if the position were eliminated, object to the cut and reject the budget. A special town meeting on Tues., Aug. 5 will precede the secret ballot validation vote Aug. 11.

Eliminating the position compared to keeping it would yield a local increase of 3.9 percent vs. 4.8 percent.

The reductions made since the June 23 validation vote, when the budget failed to pass, amount to $90,980. A month ago the local increase stood at 9.4 percent.

Sheaffer said he suggested review of the teacher position because "people out there are wondering how they're going to get through the heating season." Sheaffer did not attend the July 9 meeting when the rest of the committee assented to the 4.8 percent increase.

"I don't believe we're eroding the core education of this school by taking out one teacher," said committee member Marianne Marple. "We have a seasoned, professional group that can handle large numbers (of students)."

A couple of parents voiced concerns about more split classes if a K-4 teacher is cut. School committee member Robert Soohey offered "another option": eliminating high school choice and contracting with one high school, rather than digging deeper into elementary instruction. He pointed out Wiscasset is part of the new regional school unit Whitefield is joining. "We'll be sending kids there and it's an avenue open to us."

Soohey indicated further instructional cuts were unacceptable. A sixth grade language arts/reading position has been removed, he reminded the others. "I think we're being blind by taking away from our elementary kids."

"I believe the majority of people in this town will vote for this budget, and if we cut a teacher, a majority of people will vote against it," said committee vice-chair Carole Cifrino.

Cifrino reminded the others that Boynton had said at the previous meeting "he can make this budget work."

Boynton agreed. "It's going to take a lot of saying no," he said. "It's a tight budget, dependent on federal funds we haven't seen particulars on."

Principal Ron Cote emphasized the importance, with smaller class numbers, of "that unique instructional relationship" between student and teacher that nurtures academic achievement.

Chairman Brian Huntley and other budget committee members sought assurance that the ability of the school to function properly wasn't at risk.

Boynton said the risky elements were diesel fuel and food prices. "We don't get a fixed price on diesel but so many cents off the pump price." He added that he has "taken steps in recent weeks" to make sure risks are covered.

Huntley asked if the proposed reductions in the overall $3.6 million budget "represent your best effort?"

Cifrino said the budget reflects the committee's performance of its dual role: being financially responsible while also assuring the school's academic quality.

Marple, who voted with the majority, said, "It's the closest we can come and get agreement as a school committee."