Please enjoy the June 2026 Newsletter from PRCS.
https://bit.ly/443bzwM
https://bit.ly/443bzwM
Today is our annual field day.
This year it is called Fun Fest.
Thank you to all of the Teachers, Staff and Volunteers that help make this day a success.
This year it is called Fun Fest.
Thank you to all of the Teachers, Staff and Volunteers that help make this day a success.
Farewell from our PTG President Elissa Tracey.
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.
In her own words:
"Thank you for the privilege of leading such meaningful work for the PRCS elementary community. I have loved every minute spent with the students, teachers, and staff, and I am going to miss everyone tremendously!
The PRCS PTG is in fantastic hands with the new leadership team. I am incredibly grateful for every member I’ve worked alongside, and I send a special thank you to Pam, Alisha, Kate, and Brittany, along with former officers Angie, Stephanie H. and Ms. Adams, for their dedication during my time here.
My parting wish for you all is simple: put the kids first and uplift our teachers. They both deserve our utmost support and gratitude. Until we meet again... ~Lis"
Driving Community Spirit:
A Decade of Leadership from PTG President Elissa Tracey
Behind every thriving school is a community of dedicated volunteers, and at Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School (PRCS), that community has been led for years by the tireless efforts of PTG President Elissa Tracey. Serving in her leadership role since at least 2019, Elissa has become the heartbeat of school-wide engagement, guiding parents, staff, and community members toward a shared goal: making the school experience unforgettable for every student.
Fostering School Spirit & Tradition
From coordinating major seasonal highlights like the annual school FunFests to managing regular volunteer initiatives, Elissa has prioritized joy and connection. She has consistently championed events that bridge the gap between home and the classroom, such as Scholastic book distributions that put great literature directly into kids' hands and community-wide family gatherings that build lifelong memories.
Unwavering Support for Educators
Elissa has ensured that PRCS staff feel deeply valued by spearheading comprehensive Teacher Appreciation Week campaigns. Whether it is coordinating daily community-baked treats, organizing custom hot beverage deliveries, or orchestrating local business donations for school-wide luncheons, her attention to detail ensures educators know the community stands firmly behind them.
Resourceful Advocacy and Funding
Under her direction, the PTG has maintained robust, successful fundraising campaigns—including highly successful catalog distributions that routinely achieve student participation rates far exceeding national averages. Elissa ensures these community funds are put directly to work where they matter most, efficiently reviewing and approving grade-level resource requests to supply classrooms with the extra tools, specialized equipment, and field trips required to elevate student learning.
"Whether she is managing day-to-day volunteer schedules, organizing a school-wide pizza luncheon, or advocating for new classroom tools, Elissa Tracey's dedicated leadership continues to shape the very heart of the PRCS family."
A Decade of Heart and Dedication:
Elissa Tracey’s Impact on the PRCS PTG
For the past ten years, Elissa Tracey has been the driving force behind the Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School (PRCS) Parent Teacher Group (PTG). Serving as PTG President for the past 8 years, Elissa has poured her time, energy, and passion into creating a vibrant, supportive, and well-funded environment for our students, teachers, and local families.
Her remarkable decade of grassroots leadership has left an undeniable mark on our school community:
Bridging Home and Classroom: Elissa has spent years keeping school spirit alive by organizing vital community-building events, including annual FunFests, family activities, and scholastic book distributions that foster a love of reading in our students; she brought the Scholastic Book Fair back to PRCS and its been a thriving success ever since.
Championing Our Educators: Under her leadership, Teacher Appreciation Week became a true cornerstone of the school year. Elissa consistently spearheaded creative efforts to ensure our teachers and staff felt deeply valued and supported by the community.
Resourceful Advocacy: From managing essential fundraising initiatives to orchestrating key partnerships with local businesses, Elissa skillfully directed PTG resources right where they mattered most—directly approving grade-level fund requests and ensuring students had the extra tools they needed to thrive.
"Whether orchestrating major school events or organizing day-to-day volunteer efforts, Elissa’s tireless commitment and leadership have shaped the very heart of the PRCS community over the last ten years."
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.
In her own words:
"Thank you for the privilege of leading such meaningful work for the PRCS elementary community. I have loved every minute spent with the students, teachers, and staff, and I am going to miss everyone tremendously!
The PRCS PTG is in fantastic hands with the new leadership team. I am incredibly grateful for every member I’ve worked alongside, and I send a special thank you to Pam, Alisha, Kate, and Brittany, along with former officers Angie, Stephanie H. and Ms. Adams, for their dedication during my time here.
My parting wish for you all is simple: put the kids first and uplift our teachers. They both deserve our utmost support and gratitude. Until we meet again... ~Lis"
Driving Community Spirit:
A Decade of Leadership from PTG President Elissa Tracey
Behind every thriving school is a community of dedicated volunteers, and at Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School (PRCS), that community has been led for years by the tireless efforts of PTG President Elissa Tracey. Serving in her leadership role since at least 2019, Elissa has become the heartbeat of school-wide engagement, guiding parents, staff, and community members toward a shared goal: making the school experience unforgettable for every student.
Fostering School Spirit & Tradition
From coordinating major seasonal highlights like the annual school FunFests to managing regular volunteer initiatives, Elissa has prioritized joy and connection. She has consistently championed events that bridge the gap between home and the classroom, such as Scholastic book distributions that put great literature directly into kids' hands and community-wide family gatherings that build lifelong memories.
Unwavering Support for Educators
Elissa has ensured that PRCS staff feel deeply valued by spearheading comprehensive Teacher Appreciation Week campaigns. Whether it is coordinating daily community-baked treats, organizing custom hot beverage deliveries, or orchestrating local business donations for school-wide luncheons, her attention to detail ensures educators know the community stands firmly behind them.
Resourceful Advocacy and Funding
Under her direction, the PTG has maintained robust, successful fundraising campaigns—including highly successful catalog distributions that routinely achieve student participation rates far exceeding national averages. Elissa ensures these community funds are put directly to work where they matter most, efficiently reviewing and approving grade-level resource requests to supply classrooms with the extra tools, specialized equipment, and field trips required to elevate student learning.
"Whether she is managing day-to-day volunteer schedules, organizing a school-wide pizza luncheon, or advocating for new classroom tools, Elissa Tracey's dedicated leadership continues to shape the very heart of the PRCS family."
A Decade of Heart and Dedication:
Elissa Tracey’s Impact on the PRCS PTG
For the past ten years, Elissa Tracey has been the driving force behind the Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School (PRCS) Parent Teacher Group (PTG). Serving as PTG President for the past 8 years, Elissa has poured her time, energy, and passion into creating a vibrant, supportive, and well-funded environment for our students, teachers, and local families.
Her remarkable decade of grassroots leadership has left an undeniable mark on our school community:
Bridging Home and Classroom: Elissa has spent years keeping school spirit alive by organizing vital community-building events, including annual FunFests, family activities, and scholastic book distributions that foster a love of reading in our students; she brought the Scholastic Book Fair back to PRCS and its been a thriving success ever since.
Championing Our Educators: Under her leadership, Teacher Appreciation Week became a true cornerstone of the school year. Elissa consistently spearheaded creative efforts to ensure our teachers and staff felt deeply valued and supported by the community.
Resourceful Advocacy: From managing essential fundraising initiatives to orchestrating key partnerships with local businesses, Elissa skillfully directed PTG resources right where they mattered most—directly approving grade-level fund requests and ensuring students had the extra tools they needed to thrive.
"Whether orchestrating major school events or organizing day-to-day volunteer efforts, Elissa’s tireless commitment and leadership have shaped the very heart of the PRCS community over the last ten years."
Message from the PRCS Nurse.....
Every Voice Matters: Vote on June 9
On Tuesday, June 9, our community will have an important opportunity to help shape the future of our schools by voting on the proposed school budget referendum.
This vote is about more than numbers on a page—it is about investing in the students, staff, programs, and opportunities that make our schools strong and our community vibrant. The proposed budget is designed to support quality educational experiences, maintain essential services, and ensure that our schools continue to meet the needs of all learners.
Strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. They help attract families, support local economic growth, and prepare the next generation for success. The decisions we make today will have a lasting impact on the opportunities available to our students tomorrow.
Whether you are a parent, taxpayer, staff member, alumni, business owner, or community supporter, your voice matters. Participating in the referendum is one of the most direct ways to influence the future of public education in our community.
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
Together, we support our schools and our community. Together, we build a bright future.
Vote June 9. Every voice matters.
On Tuesday, June 9, our community will have an important opportunity to help shape the future of our schools by voting on the proposed school budget referendum.
This vote is about more than numbers on a page—it is about investing in the students, staff, programs, and opportunities that make our schools strong and our community vibrant. The proposed budget is designed to support quality educational experiences, maintain essential services, and ensure that our schools continue to meet the needs of all learners.
Strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. They help attract families, support local economic growth, and prepare the next generation for success. The decisions we make today will have a lasting impact on the opportunities available to our students tomorrow.
Whether you are a parent, taxpayer, staff member, alumni, business owner, or community supporter, your voice matters. Participating in the referendum is one of the most direct ways to influence the future of public education in our community.
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
Together, we support our schools and our community. Together, we build a bright future.
Vote June 9. Every voice matters.
Aligning Resources with Enrollment: Building a Sustainable Budget for MSAD 11
The FY 2026–2027 budget reflects the difficult but necessary work of aligning district resources with changing student enrollment while continuing to address rising operational costs. Over the past several years, MSAD 11 has experienced a steady decline in enrollment, resulting in fewer students to serve and changing demands across grade levels and programs. As a result, the district has carefully reviewed staffing, programming, and operational expenditures to ensure resources are aligned with current student needs.
Importantly, the proposed FY 2026–2027 budget includes no new positions. The budget focuses on maintaining essential services while managing significant cost increases that are largely outside of the district's control. Rising health insurance costs, the State of Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave requirements, MaineCare SEED obligations, transportation expenses, contracted special education services, and substitute staffing all contribute to increased budget pressures. These required increases total more than $900,000.
To offset these unavoidable cost increases and maintain long-term financial sustainability, the district implemented staffing and organizational reductions across multiple areas of the school system. These decisions were not made lightly. Each position and expenditure was evaluated based on enrollment trends, student needs, operational efficiency, and the district's ability to continue providing a high-quality educational experience for students.
Throughout the budget development process, approximately $2.4 million in reductions were identified and incorporated into the budget. These reductions reflect the district's commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources while adapting to enrollment declines and fiscal realities. The goal is not simply to reduce spending, but to ensure that district resources are aligned with current enrollment and positioned to support students in a financially sustainable manner.
Key Message
The proposed FY 2026–2027 budget adds no new positions, addresses significant mandated and contractual cost increases, and aligns staffing and resources with declining enrollment to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of MSAD 11 while continuing to serve students effectively.
The FY 2026–2027 budget reflects the difficult but necessary work of aligning district resources with changing student enrollment while continuing to address rising operational costs. Over the past several years, MSAD 11 has experienced a steady decline in enrollment, resulting in fewer students to serve and changing demands across grade levels and programs. As a result, the district has carefully reviewed staffing, programming, and operational expenditures to ensure resources are aligned with current student needs.
Importantly, the proposed FY 2026–2027 budget includes no new positions. The budget focuses on maintaining essential services while managing significant cost increases that are largely outside of the district's control. Rising health insurance costs, the State of Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave requirements, MaineCare SEED obligations, transportation expenses, contracted special education services, and substitute staffing all contribute to increased budget pressures. These required increases total more than $900,000.
To offset these unavoidable cost increases and maintain long-term financial sustainability, the district implemented staffing and organizational reductions across multiple areas of the school system. These decisions were not made lightly. Each position and expenditure was evaluated based on enrollment trends, student needs, operational efficiency, and the district's ability to continue providing a high-quality educational experience for students.
Throughout the budget development process, approximately $2.4 million in reductions were identified and incorporated into the budget. These reductions reflect the district's commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources while adapting to enrollment declines and fiscal realities. The goal is not simply to reduce spending, but to ensure that district resources are aligned with current enrollment and positioned to support students in a financially sustainable manner.
Key Message
The proposed FY 2026–2027 budget adds no new positions, addresses significant mandated and contractual cost increases, and aligns staffing and resources with declining enrollment to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of MSAD 11 while continuing to serve students effectively.
MSAD 11 continues to operate as one of the lower-spending school districts in Maine when measured by resident expenditures per pupil. According to 2024–2025 Maine Department of Education expenditure data, MSAD 11 ranks 199th out of 261 school districts statewide in total per-pupil expenditures, meaning that 198 districts spend more per student and only 62 districts spend less.
Across individual expenditure categories, MSAD 11 generally ranks in the middle to lower half of Maine districts. The district's highest spending rank is in Student & Staff Support (75th), followed by Transportation (106th) and Other Instruction (116th). Expenditures for Facilities & Maintenance (127th) and School Administration (136th) are near the statewide midpoint, while spending for Special Education (167th), Regular Instruction (184th), and System Administration (220th) remains below most Maine districts. These rankings demonstrate a consistent pattern of fiscal restraint across major operational areas.
To provide additional context, MSAD 11's current spending levels were compared to neighboring districts using the district's enrollment of 1,718 students. If MSAD 11 spent at the same per-pupil rate as the statewide average, the district's budget would increase by approximately $6.36 million. Matching the spending levels of neighboring districts would result in estimated budget increases ranging from approximately $2.64 million to $6.51 million, depending on the district used for comparison.
These comparisons illustrate that MSAD 11 delivers educational services while maintaining expenditure levels that are significantly below many neighboring districts and below the majority of districts across the State of Maine. The data suggest that the district's overall spending profile remains comparatively conservative when evaluated on a per-student basis.
Across individual expenditure categories, MSAD 11 generally ranks in the middle to lower half of Maine districts. The district's highest spending rank is in Student & Staff Support (75th), followed by Transportation (106th) and Other Instruction (116th). Expenditures for Facilities & Maintenance (127th) and School Administration (136th) are near the statewide midpoint, while spending for Special Education (167th), Regular Instruction (184th), and System Administration (220th) remains below most Maine districts. These rankings demonstrate a consistent pattern of fiscal restraint across major operational areas.
To provide additional context, MSAD 11's current spending levels were compared to neighboring districts using the district's enrollment of 1,718 students. If MSAD 11 spent at the same per-pupil rate as the statewide average, the district's budget would increase by approximately $6.36 million. Matching the spending levels of neighboring districts would result in estimated budget increases ranging from approximately $2.64 million to $6.51 million, depending on the district used for comparison.
These comparisons illustrate that MSAD 11 delivers educational services while maintaining expenditure levels that are significantly below many neighboring districts and below the majority of districts across the State of Maine. The data suggest that the district's overall spending profile remains comparatively conservative when evaluated on a per-student basis.
Understanding How MSAD 11 Costs are Shared 06.01.2026
We're moving out last monthly meeting to start at 430 pm today.
Last 25-26 PTG Meeting in the PRCS Library
Join us if you're able.
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Pittston-Randolph PTG Officers:
Elissa Tracey, President
Brittany Chadbourne, Vice President
Alisha Kramer, Treasurer
Kate Mahaffey, Secretary
MSAD #11 Transportation Newsletter ~ June, 2026
Plant Sale Reminder:
Saturday 5/30/2026 8am-12pm
PRCS Gym
To support the Allison Keaveny Memorial Fund which provides field trips and activities in the field of Arts and Humanities for all of the Pittston-Randolph School students.
Saturday 5/30/2026 8am-12pm
PRCS Gym
To support the Allison Keaveny Memorial Fund which provides field trips and activities in the field of Arts and Humanities for all of the Pittston-Randolph School students.
Kindergarten Pet Show was wonderful this afternoon. Thank you to all our judges and students that participated.
Our Palooza winners working hard at school.
Fun Fest 2026 Information.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aNPOQwdqe2iaxp3xzZX3F-bnhGdLvkGos4c4SsA9HQk/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aNPOQwdqe2iaxp3xzZX3F-bnhGdLvkGos4c4SsA9HQk/edit?usp=sharing
PRCS Allison Keaveney Plant Sale 5/30/2026 8am-12pm.
REMINDER: MSAD 11 will have an early release day tomorrow, May 20, 2026. GRMS and GAHS will dismiss around 11:00 am, and elementary schools at 12:00 p.m. There will be no PREK classes.
PRCS is looking to restock community clothing closet. We are in need of gently used clothing for all seasons in sizes 4T through youth 12.
Thank you!
Thank you!
District Art Show
May 20, 2026
3 pm- 6 pm
@ Gardiner Area High School
May 20, 2026
3 pm- 6 pm
@ Gardiner Area High School
Currently, there is no electrical power at the MSAD1 1 Central Office. CMP expects the power to be restored at 8:15 am.
PRCS word of the week!
Sprout
Sprout
