Special Budget Meeting

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 meeting is called to order, and the superintendent conducts the roll call of board members and student representatives.
• 0:01
  Chair's Opening Remarks on Civility

  The Board Chair addresses the previous meeting, apologizing for failing to manage it better and calling for a more respectful and constructive dialogue from all participants. She emphasizes the shared commitment to students and the need to model positive disagreement.
• 0:03
  Superintendent's Remarks on Board Norms

  The Superintendent reviews the board's established norms, including active listening, civility, and avoiding premature judgment. He asks everyone to share the responsibility for upholding these norms and to presume positive intentions.
• 0:05
  Budget Update (Dr. Jo Prince)

  Dr. Jo Prince provides a key budget update, announcing that the health insurance increase was 5.14% instead of the projected 11.5%. This frees up approximately $655,000 in the local budget for reallocation.
• 0:07
  Explanation of Financial Mechanisms (Dr. Jo Prince)

  Dr. Prince explains the differences between a reserve fund, an undesignated fund balance, and a contingency fund. She recommends placing funds into a contingency line within the FY27 budget as the primary mechanism to rebuild the district's depleted fund balance in future years.
• 0:10
  Board Discussion on Financial Mechanisms

  Board members ask clarifying questions about the proposed financial strategies. The discussion covers how contingency funds can be used, the legal requirements for transferring funds between cost centers, and the board's desire for transparency and oversight on the use of any new contingency funds.

  • 0:10 Smith
    Asks if contingency funds in one cost center can be used to cover an overage in another, leading to a discussion on the legal requirements for such transfers.
  • 0:12 Richardson
    Requests clarification on the difference between reserve and contingency funds and asks if the board can implement a policy for oversight on their use.
  • 0:15 Feller
    Inquires about how a lump sum raised from additional tax revenue would be distributed across cost centers within the contingency plan.
  • 0:16 Holman
    Asks for confirmation on the relationship between contingency and fund balance, clarifying that unspent contingency funds automatically flow into the fund balance.
• 0:23
  Administration's Budget Proposal (Dr. Jo Prince)

  Dr. Prince outlines the administration's recommendation for the $655,000 in savings. The proposal allocates funds to a contingency line, reinstates two elementary teaching positions and two special education ed techs, and provides funding for potential summer work related to reconfiguration.
• 0:27
  Potential Additional State Funding (Dr. Jo Prince)

  Dr. Prince discusses a potential emergency appropriation from Augusta, totaling approximately $302,000. She proposes using these prospective funds to add an elementary behavior support position, a middle school related arts teacher, and to further bolster the contingency fund.
• 0:31
  Board Discussion on Budget Proposal

  The board questions the administration on various aspects of the budget, including revenue sources like TIFs and MaineCare billing, the costs associated with reconfiguration, and the rationale for cutting specific special education and administrative positions.

  • 0:31 Feller
    Asks for clarification on TIF revenue and questions if MaineCare billing can be maximized as a revenue source, comparing South Portland's figures to other districts.
  • 0:39 Richardson
    Expresses concern over the lack of a clear cost estimate for reconfiguration, including potential facility needs beyond moving expenses. She also questions the decision to eliminate OT and behavior strategist roles, citing safety and liability risks.
  • 0:52 Feller
    Raises concerns about safety in special education classrooms and questions whether the district can adequately staff them without exceeding the 6% tax increase guidance.
• 1:11
  Motion to Adjust Public Comment Rules

  Member Risch introduces a motion to manage the public comment periods for efficiency. The motion proposes limiting each of the two sessions to 75 minutes, with a three-minute limit per speaker and no ceding of time. The motion passes unanimously.
• 1:14
  Public Comment (Session 1)

  Dozens of community members, parents, and educators address the board. The overwhelming majority speak against the rushed reconfiguration plan, citing a lack of a detailed plan, unknown costs, and the negative impact on students and staff. Many call for a pause, a revote, or a public referendum, while a few speakers support the move for equity reasons. Significant concerns are also raised about cuts to special education, related arts, and other student-facing positions.

  • 1:17 Aidan Renahan
    Criticizes the lack of a firm budget and plan for reconfiguration, citing data from other districts on transportation cost overruns. He argues that parents are not against reconfiguration itself, but against doing it without a proper plan and community involvement.
  • 1:19 Ali AL Dhamen
    Announces that he has filed an affidavit with the city clerk to begin the process of recalling Board Chair Rosemary DeAngelis. He cites the board's push for reconfiguration against near-unanimous public opposition as the primary reason.
  • 1:22 Sarah Gay
    As SPTA President, she criticizes the board for limiting public comment while claiming to value input. She shares teacher survey data indicating extremely low morale, a desire for a longer reconfiguration timeline, and a belief that more cuts should come from high-level administration.
  • 1:33 Caitlin Lefebvre
    An FLS teacher, she speaks about the critical role of the OT position being cut and the reality of understaffing in special education. She states that the district is not currently staffed for ed techs and that removing the OTs will create an unsafe situation.
  • 1:35 Connie DiSanto
    As SPESPA President, she corroborates the testimony about staffing shortages and safety issues in special education. She states these are the number one concerns she hears from her members and that she has been raising them with district leadership for months.
  • 1:37 Wheeler Boyd-Boffa
    Criticizes the lack of transparency and follow-up on public questions during the budget process. He announces that he has requested the city clerk prepare petitions to challenge the closure of Kaler Elementary, should the community decide to proceed.
• 2:36
  Board Response to Public Comment (Session 1)

  The Chair and administration respond to a fraction of the questions raised. Dr. Prince acknowledges the community's concerns about the lack of a detailed reconfiguration plan, stating the team's focus has been on the budget but that developing the plan is their obligation. They provide some answers regarding the middle school start times and the rationale for retaining the Kaler building.
• 2:58
  New Business: Budget Vote Discussion

  The board debates the motion to adopt the FY27 budget. Members Feller and Richardson argue against passing it, wanting to first engage the City Council on the possibility of a higher tax increase to restore more positions. Members Risch, Holman, and Smith argue for passing the budget to provide certainty to staff and to have an approved document to present to the council, noting it can be amended later.
• 3:21
  Vote on FY27 Budget

  The board votes on the motion to adopt the FY27 Superintendent's Budget and advance it to the City Council. The motion passes by a vote of 4-2.
• 3:22
  Public Comment (Session 2)

  A second round of public comment reiterates many of the same themes. Speakers ask the board to commit to a revote on reconfiguration, question the process, and share personal stories about the impact of the proposed changes on students and teachers.

  • 3:23 Jenny Facey
    Criticizes the board's lack of transparency, revealing that the Portland Press Herald had just published an article announcing Vice Chair Adrian Dowling's resignation before the board had informed the public at the meeting.
  • 3:28 Charlie Fox
    Asks for clarity on the contingency plan for the Skillin boiler, questioning where students would go if it fails mid-winter. He also asks if roof repairs for Kaler and Dyer are included in the newly passed budget.
  • 3:34 Julie Edwards
    Calls for the community to channel its energy into positive future action, suggesting the creation of a universal PTA and mobilizing volunteers to help teachers with the logistical work of reconfiguration.
  • 3:38 Alex Strube
    Shares her experience as a parent of a neurodivergent child, emphasizing the profound negative impact that school transitions have on such students. She urges the board to move forward with more heart and consideration for the most vulnerable.
• 3:42
  Board Response to Public Comment (Session 2)

  The Chair states that she cannot commit the board to a revote on reconfiguration, as that would require a motion from a board member. The Superintendent addresses the question about the Skillin boiler, confirming the plan is to bring in a temporary system so students would not be displaced.
• 3:48
  Board Communications

  Member Feller announces he is researching the potential for more solar panels on schools as a cost-saving measure. He also offers a brief apology for an insensitive comment made earlier in the meeting.
• 3:49
  Adjournment

  The meeting is adjourned.