Superintendent's Office

2013-2014 Proposed MSAD 11 Budget

We are pleased to present you with the 2013-2014 Proposed Budget. This budget represents an increase of $74,245.51 or .35% from last year’s budget. While we had to make some very difficult decisions in order to deliver such a small increase to the budget, we remain confident we can continue to build on the successes we have achieved in preparing our students for post-secondary, career and civic life.

The MSAD 11 administrative team and the School Board worked cooperatively to put forth this Proposed Budget, and while the overall budget has only a modest increase, there is an impact on local spending due to changes in State funding. Towns within the district will see the following changes Gardiner (-.08%), Pittston (1.60%), Randolph (8.67%) and West Gardiner (7.68%). West Gardiner and Randolph continue to see the greatest impact due to increases in their State property valuations.

One of the most reasonable points of comparison for school spending is per pupil spending. MSAD 11 continues to be among the most efficient school districts in the State of Maine…educating our students for less per pupil than roughly 90% of the State’s School Districts. Locally, we are 10-30% less expensive than surrounding School Districts. Our Proposed Budget allows us to maintain this level of efficiency.

Achievement of these savings was a challenge. Due to decreasing enrollment and a subsequent decrease in subsidy, we have budgeted position eliminations. The elimination of these positions will allow us to maintain class sizes that fall within the appropriate ranges identified in MSAD 11 Policy. While eliminating positions is not something the School Board relishes, failing to do so would have been financially irresponsible. The position eliminations include both teaching and administrative positions among others.