Cuts in School Budget Discussed in Millinocket
MILLINOCKET -- During a special meeting called to discuss, with members of the town council, the implications of a $786,474 cut in the school budget, school officials said that such a cut would change the Millinocket school department forever.
Members of the council had asked for a 10% cut in both the municipal and school budgets. Although the council is asking for a cut of $341,736 from the school budget, that number more than doubles lower revenues and rising costs are figured in.
Outgoing School Superintendent Brent Colbry said that every area of the school department would be affected.
“If we are held to this level of reduction, your school system will never be the same again,” said Colbry.
In arguing for a status quo budget, Colbry said that three teaching positions have already been eliminated, and that he expected 10 teachers to retire this year. As 7 of these positions would be filled with younger teachers, their salaries would be less than those who are retiring.
If the 10% budget cuts imposed upon the municipal side were extended to the school budget, Colbry said that up to 12 teaching positions would have to be cut, increasing student-teacher ratios.
Colbry told council members that the uncertainty was forcing staff members to look elsewhere for work, and that many were within weeks of making decisions about seeking other positions or moving their families.
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