Current Status
The Board of Education approved the final FY25 school budget articles, totaling over $69 million. The budget maintains essential services while navigating the loss of federal funds and rising costs.
Overview
- On May 13, 2024, the Board approved the final FY25 school budget articles, totaling over $69 million.
- On April 8, 2024, the Board approved a revised budget that used savings from lower health insurance costs to add a new district-level Mental Health and Student Intervention position.
- On March 28, 2024, the Board of Education unanimously approved the final FY25 Superintendent’s Budget, which included a 5% operating increase and a 3.82% mill rate increase.
- On March 25, 2024, the administration announced that an art teacher position previously funded by COVID-era grants would be moved into the local budget.
- On March 18, 2024, the administration presented the proposed $69.5 million budget, highlighting the fiscal challenge of losing $1.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
- On March 11, 2024, the Superintendent presented the initial $69.4 million proposed budget, noting it did not fund requests for a mental health leadership position or an additional Pre-K section.
Perspectives
Board
- During the April 8, 2024 meeting, some members debated whether funds for a new mental health position would be better spent expanding the Pre-K program.
- On March 28, 2024, the Board inquired about the costs of several requested but unfunded positions, including a Director of Intervention and Mental Health and an additional pre-K classroom.
- Members expressed strong support on March 25, 2024 for continuing the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program and restoring the art teacher position.
- On March 25, 2024, members DeAngelis and Ryan advocated for exploring a dedicated grant writer position to secure funding for programs.
Administration
- On April 8, 2024, the Superintendent proposed using savings from lower-than-expected health insurance costs to add a new district-level Mental Health and Student Intervention position.
- The Superintendent consistently highlighted the challenge of losing $1.5 million in federal COVID-19 funds, which had supported 19 positions.
- On March 25, 2024, the administration committed to finding an alternative staffing and funding solution to continue the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program.
- The Superintendent presented the 5% operating budget increase as competitive and fair to taxpayers compared to neighboring districts.
Staff
- During public comment on March 18, 2024, teachers advocated strongly against the proposed elimination of a high school art teacher position.
Citizens
- On April 8, 2024, a parent suggested that investing in preventative measures like Pre-K could be a more proactive use of funds than creating a new mental health leadership role.
- During the March 18, 2024 meeting, community members advocated against eliminating a high school art teacher position.
- On March 11, 2024, some citizens expressed concern that the proposed budget increase might not be sufficient to meet the district's growing and complex needs.
Key Resolutions & Votes
| Date | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2024 | to authorize that $49,665,244 be appropriated for the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 with an additional $35,082,249 to be raised | Passed |
| May 13, 2024 | to authorize that $3,499,006 be raised and appropriated | Passed |
| May 13, 2024 | to authorize that $11,489,538 be raised and appropriated | Passed |
| May 13, 2024 | to authorize that the Board of Education be authorized to expend $69,279,601 | Passed |
| May 13, 2024 | to authorize that the City of South Portland appropriate $75,000 for Adult Education | Passed |
| May 13, 2024 | to authorize the Board of Education to expend such other sums | Passed |
| May 13, 2024 | to authorize the Board of Education to use all or part of additional state subsidy received, if any | Passed |
| May 13, 2024 | to authorize the Superintendent to implement the FY25 School Department Capital Improvement Plan in the amount of $133,900 as detailed in the Superintendent’s memo and FY25 Proposed CIP Expenditure Summary | Passed |
| April 8, 2024 | To approve the revised FY25 School Board Budget | Passed |
| March 28, 2024 | To approve the FY25Superintendent’sBudget. | Passed |
Meeting History
May 13, 2024
May 13, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY25 Budget Approval
The Board approved the FY25 school budget articles, totaling over $69 million, which includes funding for regular instruction, special education, and adult education. The budget aims to maintain essential services despite tight financial constraints.
April 8, 2024
April 8, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY25 Budget Revisions and Debate
The Superintendent presented revisions to the FY25 budget, made possible by lower-than-expected health insurance costs. The key proposal was to add a new district-level Mental Health and Student Intervention position, which sparked a debate among board members about priorities, with some arguing the funds would be better spent expanding the Pre-K program. The revised budget was ultimately approved in a 4-1 vote.
Public Comment on Budget
During the audience of citizens, parent Baba Ly addressed the board regarding the proposed mental health position. While supporting the focus on mental health, he suggested that investing in preventative measures like Pre-K for at-risk children could be a more proactive and effective use of funds than creating a new leadership role.
March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY25 Budget Presentation
The Superintendent presented the final FY25 Superintendent’sBudget, highlighting a 5% school operating budget increase and a 3.82% mill rate increase. He noted these figures are competitive and fair to taxpayers, especially when compared to proposed increases in neighboring school districts.
Budget Challenges and Priorities
Key challenges in this budget cycle included enrollment variability, the loss of federal COVID-19 funds which supported 19 positions, and rising fixed costs. The administration focused on preserving excellence and fostering equity while navigating these constraints.
Unfunded Positions Review
The Board inquired about the costs of several requested but unfunded positions in the FY25 budget. The administration provided estimates, including $100,000 for a Director of Intervention and Mental Health and $175,000 for an additional pre-K classroom, should funds become available later.
FY25 Budget and School Calendar Approval
Following discussion, the Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the FY25Superintendent’sBudget. They also unanimously approved a revision to the 2024-2025school year calendar, extending the school year by one day to June 13, 2025.
March 25, 2024
March 25, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY25 Budget Overview
The Superintendent presented the Superintendent’sFY25Budget, which includes a 5% operating increase and a 3.8% school tax rate increase. He highlighted major constraints, including rising fixed costs and the loss of $1.5 million in federal COVID funds, which currently supports 19 positions, necessitating difficult decisions about district priorities.
Budget Adjustments and ELO Program
The administration announced two key budget changes: an art teacher position, previously funded by COVID-era grants, will be moved into the local budget. To offset this, a one-year-only teaching position at Dyer School will be funded from an elementary school reserve account. The Superintendent also committed to continuing the valued Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program by finding an alternative staffing and funding solution after its state grant expires.
Board Discussion on Budget Priorities
Board members expressed strong support for continuing the ELO program and restoring the art position, sharing personal anecdotes about their importance. Members DeAngelis and Ryan advocated for exploring a dedicated grant writer position to secure funding for programs that cannot be included in the local budget. The board requested more details on the ELO transition plan before the final budget vote.
March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
FY2025 Superintendent’sBudget Overview
The Board reviewed the proposed $69.5 million operating budget for the SOUTHPORTLANDSCHOOLDEPARTMENT, representing a 5% increase driven primarily by fixed employee compensation costs and a 3.8% tax mill rate increase.
Staffing Adjustments and COVID-19 Funding Loss
Administration highlighted the fiscal challenges of losing $1.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, forcing difficult staffing decisions and the reduction of several positions across the district.
Public Advocacy for High School Art Program
During public comment, teachers and community members advocated strongly against the proposed elimination of a high school art teacher position, emphasizing the vital role of fine arts in student development and equity.
March 11, 2024
March 11, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent's FY25 Budget Presentation
Mr. Matheney presented the Superintendent’sFY25Budget, a proposed $69.4 million operating budget. This represents a 5% increase over the current year, with a projected 3.82% increase in the school tax mill rate, equating to an approximate $123 annual increase for the median homeowner.
Budget Context and Challenges
The budget was framed by significant demographic shifts since 2018, including large increases in special education, multilingual learners, and students experiencing homelessness. The district also faces the loss of $1.5 million in federal COVID-era funding, which had supported 19 positions.
Unmet Needs and Future Considerations
The proposed budget does not fund several requests, including a leadership position for mental health and student interventions, an additional Pre-K section, and various teaching and support staff positions. The board discussed the potential impact of these unmet needs.
Public Comment on Budget
Citizens offered feedback on the proposed budget. While some appreciated the fiscal responsibility, others expressed concern that the proposed increase might not be sufficient to meet the district's growing and complex needs, particularly given the demographic changes and unmet staffing requests.
February 12, 2024
February 12, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent provided updates on stabilizing district enrollment, the challenging upcoming FY25 budget process, transportation staffing shortages, and new career and technical education opportunities for high school students.
January 8, 2024
January 8, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent discussed stable enrollment numbers, outlined the timeline and key challenges for the FY25budget development process, and announced a dedicated budget page on the district website. He also shared that the Stateof theSchoolsPresentation on January 22nd will feature extensive data on school performance.