Budget Workshop III

Note: Transcripts are generated from video auto-captions. While highly accurate, they are non-official and do not meet State Archivist record-keeping requirements.

• 0:00
  Call to Order and Roll Call

  The Board Chair calls the workshop and special meeting to order, followed by a roll call of the board members.
• 0:01
  Agenda Update (Chair)

  The Chair announces an additional action item to approve a revision to the 2024-2025school year calendar. The change corrects an error by adding one day, making the new last day of school June 13, 2025.
• 0:02
  Superintendent's Budget Presentation (Superintendent)

  The Superintendent begins his update on the FY25Superintendent’sBudget, outlining the budget development process and the difficult decisions required. He emphasizes the goals of preserving excellence, fostering equity, and being fair to taxpayers.
• 0:06
  Budget Metrics and Comparisons (Superintendent)

  The Superintendent reviews the key figures of the budget, including a 5% operating increase and a 3.82% mill rate increase. He presents data showing South Portland's proposed increases are lower than those in several neighboring districts like Falmouth, Gorham, and Westbrook.
• 0:10
  Health Insurance Update (Superintendent)

  An update is provided on health insurance costs, with the statewide range of increases being 1.5% to 11.5%. The district has budgeted for a 7% increase and is awaiting its specific rate, which will be known by April 10th and could necessitate budget adjustments.
• 0:13
  Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Update (Superintendent)

  The Superintendent confirms that the ELO program will continue through a partnership with JMG, following the conclusion of a two-year grant. A JMG staff member will become a full-time "ELO Navigator" to coordinate the program and advance career-connected education.
• 0:19
  Board Discussion on Budget and Programs

  Board members ask clarifying questions about the ELO partnership, athletic program equity, and costs of unfunded positions.

  • 0:20 Holman
    Expresses concern about the capacity of the JMG staffer taking on the ELO role and asks for the high school principal's perspective on how the change will impact programs.
  • 0:22 Scott Tomson
    The high school principal explains that the partnership is mutually beneficial, as JMG is seeking to redefine its curriculum for upperclassmen. He expresses great confidence that the new structure will be a positive outcome for students.
  • 0:28 Schen
    Raises an equity concern regarding admission fees for school events. She questions how the district ensures that students and families with limited financial means can attend and feel included.
  • 0:29 Joe Prince
    The Assistant Superintendent responds that the athletic department is exploring making events free for students while maintaining revenue. He also notes that the district already provides athletic passes to families who cannot afford them.
  • 0:33 Ryan
    Asks about equity in providing sports equipment, questioning what items the district provides versus what students are expected to purchase. She raises concerns about accessibility and potential cost barriers for students to participate in certain sports.
  • 0:36 Holman
    Argues that any item essential for participation, such as a swimsuit for the swim team, constitutes a uniform and should be provided by the district. She emphasizes the need to remove the barrier of a student having to ask for financial assistance.
  • 0:41 Holman
    Asks for the estimated costs of several requested but unfunded positions. She specifically mentions the mental health coordinator and an additional pre-K classroom.
  • 0:42 Joe Prince
    Provides cost estimates for the unfunded positions, stating a director-level position is about $100,000, a new pre-K classroom (including staff and supplies) is $175,000, and a teaching position is budgeted at $90,000.
• 0:45
  Public Comment

  The Chair opens the floor for public comment on any item related to the budget process. No members of the public are present to speak.
• 0:46
  Vote: Approve FY25 Budget

  A motion is made by Ms. Schen and seconded by Ms. Kinney to approve the FY25Superintendent’sBudget. The motion passes unanimously.
• 0:46
  Vote: Approve Revised School Calendar

  A motion is made by Ms. Schen and seconded by Ms. Ratliff to approve the revised 2024-2025school year calendar. The motion passes unanimously.
• 0:47
  Adjournment

  A motion to adjourn is made and seconded. The board votes unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:48 PM.