Penobscot
Penobscot school board keeps lid on budget

BY COLIN POWELL
The cards have fallen in Penobscot’s favor this year, as the school board approved a budget with a 0.4 percent decrease, for all intents a flat budget. School board members noted this was largely possible because, despite contractual pay increases for faculty, there will be fewer secondary students in area high schools.

The 8 percent drop in secondary tuition was taken up by special education increase, amongst other things. Special education costs are set to rise next year, with both speech and occupational therapy increasing due to student demand. The school is also expanding a reading program, which requires $3,500 in books and supplies. Faculty members, per contract, were given 3 percent raises on average.

In the Union 93 office, major changes have required budget increases as well. While the Union board hopes to hire a replacement for Pat Henry with her salary, the recent hire of Mark Hurvitt as the new superintendent has brought on increases in salary and health benefits for all member schools.

In addition to the secondary tuition, the board shaved money off last year’s budget by putting less aside for oil and custodial supplies for the coming year. Last year, the board also set aside $18,000 for a new bus purchase that is no longer in the budget.

The total budget for next year, which the school board will present for public approval at town meeting, is $1,439,594, $449 less than the previous year. The school board managed to maintain a nearly flat budget despite a major cut in state funding. Last year Penobscot received $33,481 from the state, compared to $12,957 for the upcoming year. The cuts were due to revenue shortfalls in Augusta.

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