With only two days to go before Commissioner of Education Gendron leaves office, she reportedly got around to ruling on the request from Orrington and Dedham School Districts' request that they be allowed to form their own RSU, separate from any consolidation with SAD 63. This news was reportedly received yesterday (Wednesday), according to a reliable source who talked with this writer today.(NOTE: It has taken her four months to rule on their application, which consolidation law says she was to repond to within 12 DAYS.)
Since SAD 63 has written to the Commissioner in opposition to Orrington & Dedham's application, this writer asked what basis Orrington and Dedham used to convince the Commissioner to rule in their favor. (As readers may recall, Eddington School Board Member Karen Clark reported to the Eddington Board of Selectmen this month the reasons were this blog and a former email written last December by this writer, a discussion of which is provided in an earlier posting.)
Today's source, who was at the previously cited meeting in Holden earlier this month, stated there were three primary reasons cited by Orrington and Dedham for not consolidating with SAD 63.
1. In 2007, the SAD 63 members of the Regional Planning Committee refused to sit at the designated places at a planning committee table and, instead, chose to sit in the general audience while wearing their name tags.
2. In 2007, the former SAD 63 Chairwoman of the School Board, (prior to Don Varnum) who subsequently resigned during the law suit involving the former Superintendent Louise Regan, wrote some kind of a memorandum stating the regional planning committee was disorganized.
3. In December 2009, while the various school districts did not want Otis to be considered as a potential partner in the new consolidation, the SAD 63 School Board submitted TWO Letters of Intent to the Commissioner, one of which included the Otis School District.
The following is just this writer's opinion regarding the above.
Reasons #1 and #2 as cited above are ANCIENT HISTORY. I know there are a lot of people in this region who can't get past the covered wagon stage of life, but really! NONE of those reasons can be used to justify what will be against the best intersts of the taxpayers or in the best interests of the education of the students. Apparently those issues are of no concern to the Chairmen of the School Boards in Orrington or Dedham.
Reason #3 has to do with HONOR and ETHICS. (Even though it appears that as of this date, the Otis School District has decided - aka been forced - to join with the Ellsworth School District, that was not the case last December.) Last Fall, a representative from Otis actually came to a SAD 63 School Board meeting and requested SAD 63 consider including OTIS in any future consolidation. The Board agreed to do so. Once one's word is given, it should be honored. Where does Orrington or Dedham get off thinking it had the right to bully the SAD 63 School Board into breaking its' word? And why would the Commissioner think she should honor such a bullying tactic?
On the other hand, perhaps the Commissioner's decision was really RETALIATION against SAD 63, in which case perhaps SAD 63 and the taxpayers in Eddington, Clifton and Holden should file an appeal with the NEW incoming Commissioner. Remember, the SAD 63 School Board had to file a legal action against Commissioner Gendron just to get her to do her job re: the lawsuit involving Louise Regan. And in light of how that appeal went in front of Maine's Supreme Court, one might think Commissioner Gendron was rightfully "embarrassed." So was this an opportunity to retaliate for that embarrassment? Do you think?
On the other hand, none of the Orrington or Dedham government officials (Selectmen) chose to attend the meeting Holden Town Manager John Butts held earlier this month. And he extended invitations to the town government officials as well as the members of the school board. Granted, Orrington Selectmen were in the middle of the toxic dump issue that was coming up for a vote, BUT it is the town government that determines the school budget for Orrington, not the School Board. And one would think the town government would be "interested" in how property taxes are going to be impacted there over the next several years because of the lack of state public education funding.
Senator Richard Rosen, who attended this past Monday's SAD 63 School Board meeting, stated the financial situation for public education in Maine will be dire next year once federal stimulus money stops. This year is bad. Next year will be significantly worse. Orrington will get no financial help from Dedham. And SAD 63 will get no financial help from anyone. But do we really want to have a school board comprised of individuals so antagonistic to working with us? Feels like putting Iran and Israel in the same bed together. Maybe it's better to leave the toxic dump in Orrington and not ask them to bring their environment into our neighborhood.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
EDDINGTON'S BICENTENNIAL BEING PLANNED
Eddington is almost 200 years old. (No political comment here) A Bicentennial Committee has been formed and had its first meeting. More community members interested in helping with the planning is always welcome.
The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for May 3rd at 7:30pm at the Town Office. Contact anyone at the Town Office, 843-5233, if you're interested in participating. There's even talk of a parade down Route 9. Seems Main Road (aka Route 9) has been closed off from Rooks Road to Hwy 46 in the past for parades.
The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for May 3rd at 7:30pm at the Town Office. Contact anyone at the Town Office, 843-5233, if you're interested in participating. There's even talk of a parade down Route 9. Seems Main Road (aka Route 9) has been closed off from Rooks Road to Hwy 46 in the past for parades.
MAY ACTIVITIES FOR ATVs & CAR WASH
The Annual ATV Club Safety Demonstration will take place May 8th. Check the Town Office billboard for more information.
One May 15th, the 8th graders at Holbrook Middle School will be conducting CAR WASHES to earn money for their graduation trip to Fun Town. There will be a CAR WASH at the Eddington Elementary School and another at Ledbetter's gas station on IA, north of Hwy. 46.
One May 15th, the 8th graders at Holbrook Middle School will be conducting CAR WASHES to earn money for their graduation trip to Fun Town. There will be a CAR WASH at the Eddington Elementary School and another at Ledbetter's gas station on IA, north of Hwy. 46.
EDDINGTON PUBLIC HEARINGS APRIL 29 & MAY 4
There will be TWO Public Hearings at the Eddington Town Office to review and present new ZONING and SUBDIVISION ORDINANCES.
The Hearings will begin at 6:30pm, following regular Selectmen meetings.
Each Public Hearing will provide the same information. It was decided that having two hearings might increase attendance and/or community understanding of the ordinances.
The Hearings will begin at 6:30pm, following regular Selectmen meetings.
Each Public Hearing will provide the same information. It was decided that having two hearings might increase attendance and/or community understanding of the ordinances.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
ROUTE 9 PAVING PROJECT IN EDDINGTON
It was reported at Tuesday's Selectmen meeting that the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) is scheduled to pave Route 9 this summer. The project is planned to begin at the Eddington/Brewer line and continue to the Parks Pond road at the Eddington/Clifton line. (We can just hope this project does take place and that DOT funding is sufficient to actually do the job and not run out of funds or time before getting to the Clifton line. Seems part of this project was scheduled for last summer and, as we know, it did not happen.)
This writer reported to the Selectmen of telephone calls to Russell Smith, Town Manager, regarding water run-off problems from Route 9 that is actually DESTROYING private property on the shoreline area of Davis Pond. The phone calls to Russell were in hopes that he could contact the appropriate individuals at DOT for assistance in getting that department to address the issue which is being caused by the way DOT has constructed Route 9 paving. Yes, it is true gravity does influence the direction of water run-off and those residents living on shoreline lots are on the sourth-side and lower land than Route 9. However, the water damage did not occur until DOT failed to create property-protection run-off several years ago.
The run-off is causing full-grown trees to topple over from the root systems being inundated with excessive water to the degree of actual waterfalls. The property and woodland area behind several homes east of Rooks Road in being devastated. Considering the "high-end" property tax rate charged to the homeowners, it only seems reasonable the elected body of government, which benefits from those taxes, should stand up for the property owners and address this run-off issue with DOT.
This writer reported to the Selectmen of telephone calls to Russell Smith, Town Manager, regarding water run-off problems from Route 9 that is actually DESTROYING private property on the shoreline area of Davis Pond. The phone calls to Russell were in hopes that he could contact the appropriate individuals at DOT for assistance in getting that department to address the issue which is being caused by the way DOT has constructed Route 9 paving. Yes, it is true gravity does influence the direction of water run-off and those residents living on shoreline lots are on the sourth-side and lower land than Route 9. However, the water damage did not occur until DOT failed to create property-protection run-off several years ago.
The run-off is causing full-grown trees to topple over from the root systems being inundated with excessive water to the degree of actual waterfalls. The property and woodland area behind several homes east of Rooks Road in being devastated. Considering the "high-end" property tax rate charged to the homeowners, it only seems reasonable the elected body of government, which benefits from those taxes, should stand up for the property owners and address this run-off issue with DOT.
EDDINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANTS
Fire Chief Ellis reported at the April 20, 2010 Selectmen's Meeting the Eddington Fire Department received some valuable grants during recent months. A $15,000.00 grant was received from the federal department of Homeland Security for firefighter protective equipment. This grant will be matched with $800.00 of local money. And a Title IV - Rural Community grant from the Maine Department of Conservation for slightly over $2,100.00 was also received that will go toward the purchase of firefighter protective equipment. The protective equipment consists of helmets, goggles, shirts and pants. Craig Russell was credited by Chief Ellis for having written the grant proposals.
Chief Ellis also reported that $1,000.00 in restitution was received as awarded by the court relating to a fire last year in Eddington.
A three-phase promotion process was recently conducted within the department resulting in Craig Russell being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. (There was one other individual also promoted to the rank of Lieutenant; however, this writer did not capture the name or if that individual is with the Eddington Fire Department or the Holden department. Perhaps a reader will provide the name in the "comments" section.)
The three phases consisted of an Oral Board, a peer-review of candidates leadership qualifications, and a situation response component for the candidates address.
Congrats to Russell. Between his contributions to the www.EddingtonMaine.gov website, his very successful research and grant application capabilities, and incident response records, it is obvious he has provided valuable contributions to the town.
The Chief also reported the two current live-in fire response students will be graduating in May. At that point their tenure at the fire house will end. The Chief has contacted EMMC to find/recruit any qualified students who may fill those slots; however, it is not known if/when that search will be successful. Until it is, those coverage currently provided at the firehouse will depend on response from the regular fire-fighter force. Let us hope Chief Ellis is successful in the recruitment process.
Chief Ellis also reported that $1,000.00 in restitution was received as awarded by the court relating to a fire last year in Eddington.
A three-phase promotion process was recently conducted within the department resulting in Craig Russell being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. (There was one other individual also promoted to the rank of Lieutenant; however, this writer did not capture the name or if that individual is with the Eddington Fire Department or the Holden department. Perhaps a reader will provide the name in the "comments" section.)
The three phases consisted of an Oral Board, a peer-review of candidates leadership qualifications, and a situation response component for the candidates address.
Congrats to Russell. Between his contributions to the www.EddingtonMaine.gov website, his very successful research and grant application capabilities, and incident response records, it is obvious he has provided valuable contributions to the town.
The Chief also reported the two current live-in fire response students will be graduating in May. At that point their tenure at the fire house will end. The Chief has contacted EMMC to find/recruit any qualified students who may fill those slots; however, it is not known if/when that search will be successful. Until it is, those coverage currently provided at the firehouse will depend on response from the regular fire-fighter force. Let us hope Chief Ellis is successful in the recruitment process.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
THE PEN IS MIGHTIER - OR SO IT SEEMS
Went to the Eddington Board of Selectmen's meeting tonight. There was so much on the agenda worth noting, I shall try to post daily for the rest of the week to cover all of the subjects.
This first posting will cover the School Board report delivered by Karen Clark, School Board member. Her report covered two primary topics - the proposed School Budget for 2010-2011 and related School Board meetings; and the latest on the topic of Consolidation.
1. The proposed school budget:
March 26 is the next School Board meeting - to be held at the Eddington Elementary School. Senator Richard Rosen sent a letter indicating he MAY be in attendance.
The proposed 2010-2011 budget is 7.28% Higher than the 2009-2010 budget. While this includes the $180,000 tax penalty for not consolidating, the increase will still be approximately 4% higher without the tax penalty. NOTE: It was reported that Bangor School District's increase will only be about 1%. Looking at the national average, SAD 63 appears to be significantly higher when one considers the following:
2 teacher positions will be cut;
3 Special Educ. Tech positions will be cut
1 hour (?) of janitorial services will be cut from Central Services
The teachers have reportedly agreed to a contract which includes NO increase in salaries/wages. (This information was not part of the School Board Report. It has been reported to this writer by an independent source.)
With the possible exception of Central Services personnel (guess which positions this includes), there are no planned increases for any personnel, HOWEVER, there is a reported increase for System Administration totaling 13.15%. System Administration includes Central Services - the Business manager and Part-time Bookkeeper. It can't be the Interim Superintendent who will receive only $15,000 instead of the $45,000 received by Ray Hart. So not only is that section taking NO CUTS, it is INCREASING its costs. Anyone have a problem with that???
SAD 63 will be decreasing its payment to UTC by 25%
The current proposed budget will cause a 10.54% increase to Eddington Taxpayers over the amount assigned for the 2009-2010 fiscal year; an increase of 9.83% to Clifton; and 4.82% increase to Holden.
THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THIS PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE WED., MAY 12 - at the Eddington Elementary School. The time scheduled to begin the meeting is 5:30pm. !!
Question: Since most parents, working taxpayers, and others who will be interested in this meeting work, usually outside Eddington, and don't get off work before 5pm - scheduling the PUBLIC HEARING to begin at 5:30pm sends a strong message that the School Board doesn't want any more PUBLIC INPUT than they can legally avoid. Just think about it - how much time does it take the typical person working in Bangor or Ellsworth or Old Town get out of their parking lots and drive home (30 minutes maybe)? And then there is the issue of getting dinner on the table for the family BEFORE being able to go to a Public Hearing that can be expected to take a couple of hours. Remember there is total presentation of the proposed budget, Q&A time and then voting by those in attendance.
Pack up the kiddies, folks, along with dinner - and haul everyone to the meeting.
2. The meeting re: Consolidation that was conducted last week (maybe earlier this week) in Holden
Karen Clark reported that John Butts, Holden Town Manager, hosted a meeting to discuss Consolidation issues. He invited representatives from SAD 63, Orrington, Dedham and CSD 8 who apparently attended. (No Otis? What is the problem, people?)
Per Karen, the major sticking point re: Orrington and Dedham wanting to join SAD 63 is: A. The Eddington Blog (!) and B. An email this writer sent to the Chairs and Superintendents of Orrington and Dedham several months ago. According to Karen, while Orrington and Dedham expect to receive approval from the Commissioner to form their own RSU, they really are reluctant to join SAD 63 because of what has been written in this Blog regarding the SAD 63 Board (and related issues), and the specified email.
NOTE: Since there was no discussion, questions or response allowed following Karen's report until the Public Access at the conclusion of the meeting's agenda, this writer made it a point at that time to provide the following information:
1. The email was written following the November 17 meeting at which the Chairmen of the various school districts and the three superintendents in attendance agreed (without School Board prior approval per Karen Clark at the time) to eliminate the Citizen Representative on the Regional Planning Committee (RPC). The consolidation law designates to be a part of the consolidation planning process. At the time I wrote the email to the Chairs and superintendents outside the SAD 63 communities, this writer was the appointed Citizen Rep from Eddington. Clifton has already appointed their Citizen Rep and the Holden Citizen Rep was being recruited.
The email, which I reviewed with Karen before sending, simply communicated to those districts outside SAD 63 that the town leaders of Eddington, Clifton and Holden could be expected to raise an objection if their Citizen Reps were not allowed to participate in the consolidation planning process. It should also be noted that (a)the email addresses to which I sent that email were provided by an Eddington School Board rep. and (b) the Citizen Reps were formally reaffirmed to the SAD 63 RPCs once the new School Board Chair, Therese Anderson, took office.
2. The postings on this Blog only report the observations made by this writer while attending School Board meetings - or - information reported to this writer by others who have SAD 63 information to share. NOTE: There have been several times when people have shared information with me with the request, or on condition, that I NOT post it on the blog. They have just wanted to share their frustrations or ask if I can find out more about something. I have not ever posted anything I was asked not to post. And there has been a lot of "confidential" information received.
At tonight's Selectmen's meeting I was clear this Blog will continue as long as there is a School Board (and members) that does not address issues which are counter-responsible to the people who vote them into office or which is not accountable to the taxpayers who pay for the school district. If Orrington or Dedham residents have a problem with that, they can always respond in the "Comments" sections provided. I would remind them of the First Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Be aware the Commissioner verified any consolidation School Board allocates 4 seats to Orrington, which is more than any other community committed to that consolidation. One has to wonder what Orrington or Dedham has in mind they don't want posted. Maybe they just don't like the idea there would be someone in attendance at the School Board meetings who would be taking notes and posting.....
This first posting will cover the School Board report delivered by Karen Clark, School Board member. Her report covered two primary topics - the proposed School Budget for 2010-2011 and related School Board meetings; and the latest on the topic of Consolidation.
1. The proposed school budget:
March 26 is the next School Board meeting - to be held at the Eddington Elementary School. Senator Richard Rosen sent a letter indicating he MAY be in attendance.
The proposed 2010-2011 budget is 7.28% Higher than the 2009-2010 budget. While this includes the $180,000 tax penalty for not consolidating, the increase will still be approximately 4% higher without the tax penalty. NOTE: It was reported that Bangor School District's increase will only be about 1%. Looking at the national average, SAD 63 appears to be significantly higher when one considers the following:
2 teacher positions will be cut;
3 Special Educ. Tech positions will be cut
1 hour (?) of janitorial services will be cut from Central Services
The teachers have reportedly agreed to a contract which includes NO increase in salaries/wages. (This information was not part of the School Board Report. It has been reported to this writer by an independent source.)
With the possible exception of Central Services personnel (guess which positions this includes), there are no planned increases for any personnel, HOWEVER, there is a reported increase for System Administration totaling 13.15%. System Administration includes Central Services - the Business manager and Part-time Bookkeeper. It can't be the Interim Superintendent who will receive only $15,000 instead of the $45,000 received by Ray Hart. So not only is that section taking NO CUTS, it is INCREASING its costs. Anyone have a problem with that???
SAD 63 will be decreasing its payment to UTC by 25%
The current proposed budget will cause a 10.54% increase to Eddington Taxpayers over the amount assigned for the 2009-2010 fiscal year; an increase of 9.83% to Clifton; and 4.82% increase to Holden.
THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THIS PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE WED., MAY 12 - at the Eddington Elementary School. The time scheduled to begin the meeting is 5:30pm. !!
Question: Since most parents, working taxpayers, and others who will be interested in this meeting work, usually outside Eddington, and don't get off work before 5pm - scheduling the PUBLIC HEARING to begin at 5:30pm sends a strong message that the School Board doesn't want any more PUBLIC INPUT than they can legally avoid. Just think about it - how much time does it take the typical person working in Bangor or Ellsworth or Old Town get out of their parking lots and drive home (30 minutes maybe)? And then there is the issue of getting dinner on the table for the family BEFORE being able to go to a Public Hearing that can be expected to take a couple of hours. Remember there is total presentation of the proposed budget, Q&A time and then voting by those in attendance.
Pack up the kiddies, folks, along with dinner - and haul everyone to the meeting.
2. The meeting re: Consolidation that was conducted last week (maybe earlier this week) in Holden
Karen Clark reported that John Butts, Holden Town Manager, hosted a meeting to discuss Consolidation issues. He invited representatives from SAD 63, Orrington, Dedham and CSD 8 who apparently attended. (No Otis? What is the problem, people?)
Per Karen, the major sticking point re: Orrington and Dedham wanting to join SAD 63 is: A. The Eddington Blog (!) and B. An email this writer sent to the Chairs and Superintendents of Orrington and Dedham several months ago. According to Karen, while Orrington and Dedham expect to receive approval from the Commissioner to form their own RSU, they really are reluctant to join SAD 63 because of what has been written in this Blog regarding the SAD 63 Board (and related issues), and the specified email.
NOTE: Since there was no discussion, questions or response allowed following Karen's report until the Public Access at the conclusion of the meeting's agenda, this writer made it a point at that time to provide the following information:
1. The email was written following the November 17 meeting at which the Chairmen of the various school districts and the three superintendents in attendance agreed (without School Board prior approval per Karen Clark at the time) to eliminate the Citizen Representative on the Regional Planning Committee (RPC). The consolidation law designates to be a part of the consolidation planning process. At the time I wrote the email to the Chairs and superintendents outside the SAD 63 communities, this writer was the appointed Citizen Rep from Eddington. Clifton has already appointed their Citizen Rep and the Holden Citizen Rep was being recruited.
The email, which I reviewed with Karen before sending, simply communicated to those districts outside SAD 63 that the town leaders of Eddington, Clifton and Holden could be expected to raise an objection if their Citizen Reps were not allowed to participate in the consolidation planning process. It should also be noted that (a)the email addresses to which I sent that email were provided by an Eddington School Board rep. and (b) the Citizen Reps were formally reaffirmed to the SAD 63 RPCs once the new School Board Chair, Therese Anderson, took office.
2. The postings on this Blog only report the observations made by this writer while attending School Board meetings - or - information reported to this writer by others who have SAD 63 information to share. NOTE: There have been several times when people have shared information with me with the request, or on condition, that I NOT post it on the blog. They have just wanted to share their frustrations or ask if I can find out more about something. I have not ever posted anything I was asked not to post. And there has been a lot of "confidential" information received.
At tonight's Selectmen's meeting I was clear this Blog will continue as long as there is a School Board (and members) that does not address issues which are counter-responsible to the people who vote them into office or which is not accountable to the taxpayers who pay for the school district. If Orrington or Dedham residents have a problem with that, they can always respond in the "Comments" sections provided. I would remind them of the First Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Be aware the Commissioner verified any consolidation School Board allocates 4 seats to Orrington, which is more than any other community committed to that consolidation. One has to wonder what Orrington or Dedham has in mind they don't want posted. Maybe they just don't like the idea there would be someone in attendance at the School Board meetings who would be taking notes and posting.....
Sunday, April 18, 2010
WHEN IS PART-TIME FULL-TIME?
One of the issues under discussion for budget cuts in the upcoming SAD 63 school budget is the Librarian's position at Holbrook Middle School. NOTE: There reportedly are school librarians at the Eddington and Holden Elementary Schools but those positions never came into the discussion.
As submitted by the Financial Advisory Group, the Holbrook position is a Part-time position currently being paid $17,300. annually. HOWEVER, according to sources who have contacted this writer, (and posted in this blog some time ago), Interim Superintendent Ray Hart increased the hours of the individual in the position late last summer - authorizing the current librarian to be a 36 hour/week position. It seems that 36 hours/week constitutes a Full-Time position, which means the employee also receives benefits. (Part-time positions apparently do not qualify to receive benefits which is a cost item in addition to the salary/wage.)
SO - the argument presented (and the subsequent "discussion") regarding that position (and whether or not it could be cut or cut back) should perhaps be put back on the table.
As to the issue of cutting back stipends to cover some of the proposed budget reductions, it may be of interest to the voters to know that the stipends originally came into play when the former Superintendent, Reagan, obtained Federal Grants to pay the stipends. Apparently there haven't been any Federal Grants lately for the stipends which may be why that cost is now in the SAD 63 portion paid by the local taxpayers.
Of course, Hart tried to justify the current Business Manager's $75,000. (plus benefits) package because, in addition to being the Business Manager (with a part-time bookkeeper), that position is ALSO the Federal Grant Administrator. WHAT Federal Grants? How many Federal Grants has the current B.M. actually brought into the district in the past year? the past two years?
And then there was the additional justification that the B.M. is also the Food Services Manager. Right. ;-)
As submitted by the Financial Advisory Group, the Holbrook position is a Part-time position currently being paid $17,300. annually. HOWEVER, according to sources who have contacted this writer, (and posted in this blog some time ago), Interim Superintendent Ray Hart increased the hours of the individual in the position late last summer - authorizing the current librarian to be a 36 hour/week position. It seems that 36 hours/week constitutes a Full-Time position, which means the employee also receives benefits. (Part-time positions apparently do not qualify to receive benefits which is a cost item in addition to the salary/wage.)
SO - the argument presented (and the subsequent "discussion") regarding that position (and whether or not it could be cut or cut back) should perhaps be put back on the table.
As to the issue of cutting back stipends to cover some of the proposed budget reductions, it may be of interest to the voters to know that the stipends originally came into play when the former Superintendent, Reagan, obtained Federal Grants to pay the stipends. Apparently there haven't been any Federal Grants lately for the stipends which may be why that cost is now in the SAD 63 portion paid by the local taxpayers.
Of course, Hart tried to justify the current Business Manager's $75,000. (plus benefits) package because, in addition to being the Business Manager (with a part-time bookkeeper), that position is ALSO the Federal Grant Administrator. WHAT Federal Grants? How many Federal Grants has the current B.M. actually brought into the district in the past year? the past two years?
And then there was the additional justification that the B.M. is also the Food Services Manager. Right. ;-)
Friday, April 16, 2010
WHO VOTED FOR/AGAINST THE NEW BOND BILL IN THE LEGISLATURE
From my email In-Box...
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Politicians pass $57,800,000 in new debt
Despite Maine's current $11,500,000,000 public debt burden, the 11th-highest debt burden in the nation, the Legislature voted on Monday to approve an additional $57,800,000 in borrowing for which Maine taxpayers will be on the hook.
The new public debt package borrows $24,800,000 for highways, $7,000,000 for Aroostook Rail, $5,000,000 for Lewiston/Auburn Rail, $4,000,000 for Mountain Division Rail, $6,500,000 for Portland Megaberth, $500,000 for the Small Harbor fund, $5,000,000 for wind projects, and $5,000,000 for dental clinics.
24 votes were needed to pass the bond package in the State Senate. The final vote of 30 to 5 saw all 20 Senate Democrats and 10 Senate Republicans voting in favor of additional debt.
In the State House of Representatives, 101 votes were needed to approve the new debt. The final vote was 102 to 44. 92 Democrats, 8 Republicans and the two Unenrolled House members voted for more borrowing. 3 Democrats and 2 Republicans were absent for the vote.
The 49 House and Senate members who voted NO to the $57.8 million in new public debt showed great leadership. Their names and e-mail addresses are listed below. Please contact them to thank them for putting principles ahead of pork, and recognizing that Maine cannot afford this new debt.
Senate Members Who Voted No
Debra Plowman - debraplowman@cs.com
Chris Rector - cwrector@hotmail.com
Richard Rosen - rrosen113@aol.com
Doug Smith - dsmith@kynd.net
Carol Weston - cweston@fairpoint.net
House of Representatives Members Who Voted No
Susan Austin - swaustin@maine.rr.com
William Browne - wpbrowne@gmail.com
David Burns - DaveBurns32@gmail.com
Richard Cebra - RepRich.Cebra@legislature.maine.gov
Kathleen Chase - RepKathleen.Chase@legislature.maine.gov
David Cotta - cotta@fairpoint.net
Dale Crafts - dalecrafts@aol.com
Dean Cray - dacray@dishmail.net
Jarrod Crockett - jarrodscrockett@gmail.com
Philip Curtis - pdcurtis2@hotmail.com
Andre Cushing - andre@andrecushing.com
Paul Davis - RepDavis@midmaine.com
Stacey Fitts - RepStacey.Fitts@legislature.maine.gov
Kenneth Fletcher - fletcher2@roadrunner.com
Patrick Flood - patricksaflood@roadrunner.com
Les Fossel - fossel@oldhouserestoration.com
Jeffery Gifford - jeffery.gifford@gmail.com
Jayne Giles - RepJayne.Giles@legislature.maine.gov
Chris Greeley - cgtc@aol.com
James Hamper - rep.hamp@yahoo.com
Lance Harvell - lanceharvell@hotmail.com
Peter Johnson - petejohnson@gwi.net
Henry Joy - henjoy@ainop.com
Jane Knapp - knappjanes09@gmail.com
Gary Knight - Lgary.Knight@usa.net
Brian Langley - langley4legislature@myfairpoint.net
Sarah Lewin - sallymehse@comcast.net
Howard McFadden - mcfaddenh@roadrunner.com
Jon McKane - jon@JonMcKane.com
Sawin Millett - sawinmillett@aol.com
Joan Nass - RepJoan.Nass@legislature.maine.gov
Bob Nutting - bob@bobnutting.com
Wright Pinkham - wrightfor88@tds.net
Gary Plummer - geplummer@aol.com
David Richardson - richardsond@hermon.net
Wes Richardson - wes893@aol.com
John Robinson - RepJohn.Robinson@legislature.maine.gov
Kimberley Rosen - kurlykim40@aol.com
Richard Sykes - rksykes@myfairpoint.net
Josh Tardy - tardylaw@roadrunner.com
Mike Thibodeau - RepMichael.Thibodeau@legislature.maine.gov
Doug Thomas - firewood@tds.net
Dianne Tilton - dtilton@maineline.net
Windol Weaver - wcw63@aol.com
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Politicians pass $57,800,000 in new debt
Despite Maine's current $11,500,000,000 public debt burden, the 11th-highest debt burden in the nation, the Legislature voted on Monday to approve an additional $57,800,000 in borrowing for which Maine taxpayers will be on the hook.
The new public debt package borrows $24,800,000 for highways, $7,000,000 for Aroostook Rail, $5,000,000 for Lewiston/Auburn Rail, $4,000,000 for Mountain Division Rail, $6,500,000 for Portland Megaberth, $500,000 for the Small Harbor fund, $5,000,000 for wind projects, and $5,000,000 for dental clinics.
24 votes were needed to pass the bond package in the State Senate. The final vote of 30 to 5 saw all 20 Senate Democrats and 10 Senate Republicans voting in favor of additional debt.
In the State House of Representatives, 101 votes were needed to approve the new debt. The final vote was 102 to 44. 92 Democrats, 8 Republicans and the two Unenrolled House members voted for more borrowing. 3 Democrats and 2 Republicans were absent for the vote.
The 49 House and Senate members who voted NO to the $57.8 million in new public debt showed great leadership. Their names and e-mail addresses are listed below. Please contact them to thank them for putting principles ahead of pork, and recognizing that Maine cannot afford this new debt.
Senate Members Who Voted No
Debra Plowman - debraplowman@cs.com
Chris Rector - cwrector@hotmail.com
Richard Rosen - rrosen113@aol.com
Doug Smith - dsmith@kynd.net
Carol Weston - cweston@fairpoint.net
House of Representatives Members Who Voted No
Susan Austin - swaustin@maine.rr.com
William Browne - wpbrowne@gmail.com
David Burns - DaveBurns32@gmail.com
Richard Cebra - RepRich.Cebra@legislature.maine.gov
Kathleen Chase - RepKathleen.Chase@legislature.maine.gov
David Cotta - cotta@fairpoint.net
Dale Crafts - dalecrafts@aol.com
Dean Cray - dacray@dishmail.net
Jarrod Crockett - jarrodscrockett@gmail.com
Philip Curtis - pdcurtis2@hotmail.com
Andre Cushing - andre@andrecushing.com
Paul Davis - RepDavis@midmaine.com
Stacey Fitts - RepStacey.Fitts@legislature.maine.gov
Kenneth Fletcher - fletcher2@roadrunner.com
Patrick Flood - patricksaflood@roadrunner.com
Les Fossel - fossel@oldhouserestoration.com
Jeffery Gifford - jeffery.gifford@gmail.com
Jayne Giles - RepJayne.Giles@legislature.maine.gov
Chris Greeley - cgtc@aol.com
James Hamper - rep.hamp@yahoo.com
Lance Harvell - lanceharvell@hotmail.com
Peter Johnson - petejohnson@gwi.net
Henry Joy - henjoy@ainop.com
Jane Knapp - knappjanes09@gmail.com
Gary Knight - Lgary.Knight@usa.net
Brian Langley - langley4legislature@myfairpoint.net
Sarah Lewin - sallymehse@comcast.net
Howard McFadden - mcfaddenh@roadrunner.com
Jon McKane - jon@JonMcKane.com
Sawin Millett - sawinmillett@aol.com
Joan Nass - RepJoan.Nass@legislature.maine.gov
Bob Nutting - bob@bobnutting.com
Wright Pinkham - wrightfor88@tds.net
Gary Plummer - geplummer@aol.com
David Richardson - richardsond@hermon.net
Wes Richardson - wes893@aol.com
John Robinson - RepJohn.Robinson@legislature.maine.gov
Kimberley Rosen - kurlykim40@aol.com
Richard Sykes - rksykes@myfairpoint.net
Josh Tardy - tardylaw@roadrunner.com
Mike Thibodeau - RepMichael.Thibodeau@legislature.maine.gov
Doug Thomas - firewood@tds.net
Dianne Tilton - dtilton@maineline.net
Windol Weaver - wcw63@aol.com
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
CAR THIEVES ARE BECOMING TOO CLEVER - a serious message
I am passing this on because many of us here not only have GPS in our vehicles, there are far too man people (I have noticed) who either do not lock their cars in parking lots, or may not be aware of this new way thieves are breaking into locked cars.
I received this via email from a friend in Florida.
*****
Seems the thieves are getting to be smarter that the rest of us.
I drove myself and two co-workers to lunch Monday, 2/15/10. I chose a parking spot in the rear of the lot and backed into a space (no pull through available at location). This positioned my Chevy Avalanche with the passenger side doors facing away from the rest of the lot and to the end of the lot. I had a Sony digital camera lying on the console of my truck.. Upon returning from lunch and entering the vehicle we noticed nothing wrong or missing from the vehicle .
Tuesday around lunch time I needed the camera and could not locate it. My first thoughts were, "I moved it or it fell to the floor mat or I removed it from my truck." After searching feverishly for two days, questioning anyone who had been close to my truck, and exhausting every possible location I could have put it, I began to have that sinking feeling I lost it or someone stole it. My new Garmin GPS had been in the truck the whole time, so I felt as if someone had entered my vehicle they would have taken it also.
Fast forward to Wednesday, I approached my truck from the passenger side to place my computer bag (aka my man purse) in the front passenger seat. As I reached to open the door I noticed there was a hole right under my door handle. My first thought was, "someone has shot my truck!" I began to think about it and inspect it a little closer and the "light" slowly began to come on. I phoned my friend who owns a body shop and asked if he had any vehicles with damage to the doors that looked like a bullet hole. "Yes, I see it all the time. Thieves have a punch and place it right under the door handle, knock a hole through, reach in and unlock it, just as if they have a key. No alarms, broken glass or anything."
I then placed a call to my insurance agent, who is also a friend, and explained it to him. I proceeded to tell him the situation and how I was puzzled that they left my GPS and all other belongings. Here is where it gets scary! "Oh no, he said, they want the break-in to be so subtle that you don't even realize it. They look at your GPS to see where "home" is. Now they know what you drive, go to your home, and if your vehicle isn't there they assume you aren't and break in your home." He says they will even leave a purse or wallet and only take one or two credit cards. By the time you realize there has been a theft, they may have already had a couple days or more to use them. This is another reason they want the break-in to go unnoticed. I didn't realize my situation for two full days! They even give you the courtesy of re-locking your doors for you. I guess they don't want it to be broken into by other thieves! Had they found your check book, they could have taken checks from the middle section so they wouldn't be noticed.
PLEASE remove from your GPS unit your home address as "home" ASAP! Put in your local Wal-Mart address or somewhere else! Park your vehicle in a highly visible place. I positioned mine perfectly for them and didn't realize it until it was too late. I hope this is beneficial to you and helps you keep your valuables in your possession and your vehicle from damage. Most importantly, it may keep the thieves from showing up at your home!
DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN SIGHT INSIDE THE CAR. Periodically walk around your car, daily if you are in a shopping center or other parking area. Report thefts immediately....Bank w/missing check numbers, Credit card agencies, Police, and Insurance Companies.
I received this via email from a friend in Florida.
*****
Seems the thieves are getting to be smarter that the rest of us.
I drove myself and two co-workers to lunch Monday, 2/15/10. I chose a parking spot in the rear of the lot and backed into a space (no pull through available at location). This positioned my Chevy Avalanche with the passenger side doors facing away from the rest of the lot and to the end of the lot. I had a Sony digital camera lying on the console of my truck.. Upon returning from lunch and entering the vehicle we noticed nothing wrong or missing from the vehicle .
Tuesday around lunch time I needed the camera and could not locate it. My first thoughts were, "I moved it or it fell to the floor mat or I removed it from my truck." After searching feverishly for two days, questioning anyone who had been close to my truck, and exhausting every possible location I could have put it, I began to have that sinking feeling I lost it or someone stole it. My new Garmin GPS had been in the truck the whole time, so I felt as if someone had entered my vehicle they would have taken it also.
Fast forward to Wednesday, I approached my truck from the passenger side to place my computer bag (aka my man purse) in the front passenger seat. As I reached to open the door I noticed there was a hole right under my door handle. My first thought was, "someone has shot my truck!" I began to think about it and inspect it a little closer and the "light" slowly began to come on. I phoned my friend who owns a body shop and asked if he had any vehicles with damage to the doors that looked like a bullet hole. "Yes, I see it all the time. Thieves have a punch and place it right under the door handle, knock a hole through, reach in and unlock it, just as if they have a key. No alarms, broken glass or anything."
I then placed a call to my insurance agent, who is also a friend, and explained it to him. I proceeded to tell him the situation and how I was puzzled that they left my GPS and all other belongings. Here is where it gets scary! "Oh no, he said, they want the break-in to be so subtle that you don't even realize it. They look at your GPS to see where "home" is. Now they know what you drive, go to your home, and if your vehicle isn't there they assume you aren't and break in your home." He says they will even leave a purse or wallet and only take one or two credit cards. By the time you realize there has been a theft, they may have already had a couple days or more to use them. This is another reason they want the break-in to go unnoticed. I didn't realize my situation for two full days! They even give you the courtesy of re-locking your doors for you. I guess they don't want it to be broken into by other thieves! Had they found your check book, they could have taken checks from the middle section so they wouldn't be noticed.
PLEASE remove from your GPS unit your home address as "home" ASAP! Put in your local Wal-Mart address or somewhere else! Park your vehicle in a highly visible place. I positioned mine perfectly for them and didn't realize it until it was too late. I hope this is beneficial to you and helps you keep your valuables in your possession and your vehicle from damage. Most importantly, it may keep the thieves from showing up at your home!
DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN SIGHT INSIDE THE CAR. Periodically walk around your car, daily if you are in a shopping center or other parking area. Report thefts immediately....Bank w/missing check numbers, Credit card agencies, Police, and Insurance Companies.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
THAT'S ELEVEN AND ONE-HALF BILLION IN DEBT - AND THEY WANT MORE?
As though we need more state bills to pay...
From my In Box of emails today is the following from the Maine Heritage Policy Center:
Help protect Maine families from more public debt
Last night, the Maine House of Representatives voted 100-48 to add another $85,000,000 in bonds to Maine's public debt. In the Senate, a majority of the 35 members supported the higher debt with a 19-16 vote, but fell short of the 24 votes needed to meet the two-thirds requirement to pass more bonds. Yet the debate continues.
Using a procedural maneuver, Senate supporters of higher debt kept the proposal alive, hoping to convince enough members to support the bond package by Monday when they return to session.
Last week, Chief Executive Officer Tarren Bragdon and Center for Education Excellence Director Steve Bowen released an Issue Brief reporting that Maine's current level of public debt is a staggering $11,500,000,000--a burden of more than $22,000 per Maine household. On March 29, a New York Times report confirmed this public debt nightmare when it found that Maine's level of public debt is the 11th highest in the nation.
The Maine Heritage Policy Center distributed our Issue Brief to every member of the Maine Legislature. We also provided a copy of a petition to the Chairpersons and Ranking Members of the Appropriations Committee of more than 600 Maine taxpayers who oppose more public debt.
To protect our families and communities from even greater public debt, we must urge members of the Maine Senate to oppose new bonding when they return to Augusta on Monday.
Below you will find the names and contact information of every member of the Maine Senate. Contact them today and help deliver the message that Maine cannot afford more public debt.
Members of the Maine Senate:
Peter Bowman
District 1
207-439-6481
peterbowman@comcast.net
Richard Nass
District 2
207-477-2607
SenRichard.Nass@legislature.maine.gov
Jon Courtney
District 3
207-324-5467
SenJon.Courtney@legislature.maine.gov
Nancy Sullivan
District 4
207-282-5594
npsullivan@gwi.net
Barry Hobbins
District 5
207-282-5985
SenBarry.Hobbins@legislature.maine.gov
Phil Bartlett
District 6
207-839-7827
SenPhilip.Bartlett@legislature.maine.gov
Lawrence Bliss
District 7
207-799-8229
lawrence.bliss@gmail.com
Justin Alfond
District 8
207-232-4187
justin@justinalfond.com
Joseph Brannigan
District 9
207-772-6047
SenJoe.Brannigan@legislature.maine.gov
Stan Gerzofsky
District 10
207-373-1328 SenStanley.Gerzofsky@legislature.maine.gov
Gerald Davis
District 11
207-797-5309
gmdavis@maine.rr.com
Bill Diamond
District 12
207-892-8941
diamondhollyd@aol.com
David Hastings
District 13
207-935-3175
dhastings@hastings-law.com
Bruce Bryant
District 14
207-562-8872
sen.bryant@myfairpoint.net
Deborah Simpson
District 15
207-777-1379
Margaret Craven
District 16
207-783-1897
mcraven@midmaine.com
John Nutting
District 17
207-524-3941
SenJohn.Nutting@legislature.maine.gov
Walter Gooley
District 18
207-778-2368
wgooley@hciwireless.net
Seth Goodall
District 19
207-737-4797
seth@sethgoodall.com
David Trahan
District 20
207-832-4135
dptrahan@midcoast.com
Earle McCormick
District 21
207-724-3228
demccormick@tds.net
Chris Rector
District 22
207-345-6571
cwrector@hotmail.com
Carol Weston
District 23
207-589-4481
cweston@fairpoint.net
Elizabeth "Libby" Mitchell
District 24
207-622-2629
SenLibby.Mitchell@legislature.maine.gov
Lisa Marrache
District 25
207-861-0154
drlisa@elmcitymed.com
Peter Mills
District 26
207-474-3821
pmills@mainelegal.net
Doug Smith
District 27
207-564-8819
dsmith@kynd.net
Dennis Damon
District 28
207-667-9629
dsdamon@panax.com
Kevin Raye
District 29
207-853-9406
senatorraye@wwsisp.com
Elizabeth Schneider
District 30
207-866-7359
schneidersenate@msn.com
Richard Rosen
District 31
207-469-3779
rrosen113@aol.com
Joseph Perry
District 32
207-942-5585
kjjjperry@aol.com
Debra Plowman
District 33
207-862-4506
debraplowman@cs.com
Roger Sherman
District 34
207-532-7073
SenRoger.Sherman@legislature.maine.gov
Troy Jackson
District 35
207-393-4081
jacksonforsenate@hotmail.com
From my In Box of emails today is the following from the Maine Heritage Policy Center:
Help protect Maine families from more public debt
Last night, the Maine House of Representatives voted 100-48 to add another $85,000,000 in bonds to Maine's public debt. In the Senate, a majority of the 35 members supported the higher debt with a 19-16 vote, but fell short of the 24 votes needed to meet the two-thirds requirement to pass more bonds. Yet the debate continues.
Using a procedural maneuver, Senate supporters of higher debt kept the proposal alive, hoping to convince enough members to support the bond package by Monday when they return to session.
Last week, Chief Executive Officer Tarren Bragdon and Center for Education Excellence Director Steve Bowen released an Issue Brief reporting that Maine's current level of public debt is a staggering $11,500,000,000--a burden of more than $22,000 per Maine household. On March 29, a New York Times report confirmed this public debt nightmare when it found that Maine's level of public debt is the 11th highest in the nation.
The Maine Heritage Policy Center distributed our Issue Brief to every member of the Maine Legislature. We also provided a copy of a petition to the Chairpersons and Ranking Members of the Appropriations Committee of more than 600 Maine taxpayers who oppose more public debt.
To protect our families and communities from even greater public debt, we must urge members of the Maine Senate to oppose new bonding when they return to Augusta on Monday.
Below you will find the names and contact information of every member of the Maine Senate. Contact them today and help deliver the message that Maine cannot afford more public debt.
Members of the Maine Senate:
Peter Bowman
District 1
207-439-6481
peterbowman@comcast.net
Richard Nass
District 2
207-477-2607
SenRichard.Nass@legislature.maine.gov
Jon Courtney
District 3
207-324-5467
SenJon.Courtney@legislature.maine.gov
Nancy Sullivan
District 4
207-282-5594
npsullivan@gwi.net
Barry Hobbins
District 5
207-282-5985
SenBarry.Hobbins@legislature.maine.gov
Phil Bartlett
District 6
207-839-7827
SenPhilip.Bartlett@legislature.maine.gov
Lawrence Bliss
District 7
207-799-8229
lawrence.bliss@gmail.com
Justin Alfond
District 8
207-232-4187
justin@justinalfond.com
Joseph Brannigan
District 9
207-772-6047
SenJoe.Brannigan@legislature.maine.gov
Stan Gerzofsky
District 10
207-373-1328 SenStanley.Gerzofsky@legislature.maine.gov
Gerald Davis
District 11
207-797-5309
gmdavis@maine.rr.com
Bill Diamond
District 12
207-892-8941
diamondhollyd@aol.com
David Hastings
District 13
207-935-3175
dhastings@hastings-law.com
Bruce Bryant
District 14
207-562-8872
sen.bryant@myfairpoint.net
Deborah Simpson
District 15
207-777-1379
Margaret Craven
District 16
207-783-1897
mcraven@midmaine.com
John Nutting
District 17
207-524-3941
SenJohn.Nutting@legislature.maine.gov
Walter Gooley
District 18
207-778-2368
wgooley@hciwireless.net
Seth Goodall
District 19
207-737-4797
seth@sethgoodall.com
David Trahan
District 20
207-832-4135
dptrahan@midcoast.com
Earle McCormick
District 21
207-724-3228
demccormick@tds.net
Chris Rector
District 22
207-345-6571
cwrector@hotmail.com
Carol Weston
District 23
207-589-4481
cweston@fairpoint.net
Elizabeth "Libby" Mitchell
District 24
207-622-2629
SenLibby.Mitchell@legislature.maine.gov
Lisa Marrache
District 25
207-861-0154
drlisa@elmcitymed.com
Peter Mills
District 26
207-474-3821
pmills@mainelegal.net
Doug Smith
District 27
207-564-8819
dsmith@kynd.net
Dennis Damon
District 28
207-667-9629
dsdamon@panax.com
Kevin Raye
District 29
207-853-9406
senatorraye@wwsisp.com
Elizabeth Schneider
District 30
207-866-7359
schneidersenate@msn.com
Richard Rosen
District 31
207-469-3779
rrosen113@aol.com
Joseph Perry
District 32
207-942-5585
kjjjperry@aol.com
Debra Plowman
District 33
207-862-4506
debraplowman@cs.com
Roger Sherman
District 34
207-532-7073
SenRoger.Sherman@legislature.maine.gov
Troy Jackson
District 35
207-393-4081
jacksonforsenate@hotmail.com
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
RESULTS OF SAD 63 BUDGET PLANNING COMMITTEE SESSION
Tonight was the last night the SAD 63 Budget & Finance Committee (BFC) met in conjunction with the Financial Advisory Board (FAB). By the time the meeting ended at 7pm, the BFC had it's recommendations ready to take to the full School Board for it's monthly meeting April 26.
Attendees at tonight's meeting were: Chair of the Board, Therese Anderson; Jackie Smallwood, Citizen Rep from Holden; Selectman Harvey from Holden; Mario Teisl, Chairman of the BFC and School Board member from Holden; Interim Superintendent Ray Hart; Sylvia Ellis, BFC School Board member from Holden; Ralph Russell, citizen rep from Eddington; Selectman Baker from Eddington; Don Varnum, BFC and School Board member from Holden; and Yvonne Mitchell, SAD 63 Business Manager. Selectwoman Peasly and Fred Rosenberg, citizen rep from Clifton were both absent.
The FAB members apparently met earlier this week, or last week, with the Business Manager. From that meeting, the members prepared a handout for tonight's meeting. In addition to a narrative statement, the FAB offered a total of 14 suggestions - four of a monetary nature and ten of a non-monetary nature to help with the current and future budgetary situations.
Prior to the FAB's suggestions, the drafted Budget was $445,865 over and above last year's budget. This includes the $178,000 ($180,000) tax penalty the state intends to charge SAD 63. NOTE: The penalty will be assessed as follows (according to Hart) - $96,000 from Holden; $55,000 from Eddington; and $25,000 from Clifton. Hart also stated that the $6.1 million statewide budget, that Commissioner Gendron is planning on having for the state's school's RSUs, is dependent on collecting these tax penalties from districts such as SAD 63. With that, it would not seem very likely that any district applying for an exemption would have much success unless our legislative Representatives (Senator Richard Rosen and Representative Ben Pratt went to bat for us. Not likely in this writer's opinion.
Of the monetary suggestions, they were as follows:
1. Reduce the Special Education program budget by $50,000. (the FAB's original suggestion was that the cut relate specifically to Special Ed. Techs; however the BFC determined their recommendation to the full School Board will be that the cuts be only in the amount allocated to the Program Area and that it will be up to the Special Ed. Director to determine where and how the cuts are applied.)
2. Cut the Part-time Librarian at Holbrook Middle School - and seek out parent volunteers or retirees in the communities that may be interested in running the library. (There was quite a bit of discussion re: this because the Holbrook principal felt the individual in the position is helping is a wide variety of school programs and that cutting the paid position for a volunteer would seriously effect the way those programs were run. A Special Ed. teacher also spoke up and said the current librarian is very helpful to the Special Ed students and providing a liaison to the Bangor Public Library. NOTE: While the FAB presented this as a Part-time position, other sources report to this writer that the individual in the librarian position is a full-time employee at the school - as a librarian, and that that occurred as an administrative decision by Hart late last summer. Interesting???
As a result of the discussion, the BFC decided its recommendation to the full School Board will be to take no position on the librarian position but that $17,300 be deducted from the Pre-K through 8 (General Instruction) cost center in the proposed budget - leaving it up to the administration to find the way to cut those costs.
3. Cut facilities/maintenance staff and central office staff by $20,000. This was intended to relate to alleged overtime being paid to staff in those areas. However, the FAB pointed out that current financial reporting does not separate overtime costs from regular wages & salaries' costs. The FAB made a strong recommendation that overtime be reduced in future budgets. There seems to be an expectation that teachers should be able to get their classrooms in better shape via students cleaning up after themselves rather than depending on the custodial staff to do that.
4. The FAB suggested that $75,000 could be saved by combining the incoming 3rd grade at Holden School with the incoming 4th grade class at Eddington School (because those classes are expected to be very small in number). It was suggested that should the total number of students (in that combined class) exceed 25, an Ed. Tech. should be hired to assist the teacher. The caveat was expressed that should the overall class size exceed 25-28, this suggestion may need to be re-evaluated.
The BFC members had quite a discussion re: all of these recommendations before coming up with its' final recommendation to the full School Board. The Bottom Line seemed to be that items #2 and #4 be combined with the direction that district administration work out where and how to make the cuts. With these additional $162,300 in cuts, the proposed budget would be $283,565 higher than last year. But that also includes the $180,000 tax penalty.
It was noted by individuals that the district currently pays out $12-19 thousand annually for staff committee stipends and another $7 thousand for B sports programs. Stipends are currently under review as a means of cutting costs.
It should be mentioned in the discussion that preceded the introduction of these items, the spokesperson for the FAB reviewed several issues that had been discussed - some of which had been raised at the public meetings and have been subsequently taken off the table. For public information, they are:
A. No cuts in Special Programs, such as music, arts, etc. (According to some BFC members, this issue never was on the table, although I heard it reported as such by a School Board member so someone was thinking it was on the table. But it's off the table now.)
B. Health insurance cost-sharing with staff are off the table this year - but they may be on the table next year because it is the norm in the world and there will be more cuts coming next year.
C. The Four-Day school week is off the table.
D. Reconfiguration of the school bus schedule is off the table for safety reasons.
E. The Central Office move from Holbrook Middle School to Holden School is off the table.
F. While the FAB suggested the Part-time bookkeeper in Central Services might be a position to cut (or cut back) for cost-savings, the current Business Manager strongly objected. NOTE: While every other area, as well as the taxpayers, are taking cuts, there appears to be no cuts or sacrifices being made at all by Central Office. Interesting???
The FAB's Non-Monetary Suggestions to the Budget were:
1. For the district to challenge legal opinions for recapturing high school tuition dollars. Several other districts are doing this, including Orrington and other nearby areas.
2. Form a Community Reconfiguring Committee immediately to begin studying the best options for consolidation/reconfiguration (and to be better prepared for next year's budget issues). (This idea seemed to be well received.)
3. The School Board and Leadership fight to have the penalty reevaluated (for numerous reasons, some of which Hart stated would not fly).
4. Reassess Special Education's current programs and learning results.
5. Revisit the employee's contribution to their insurance benefits for future years.
6. Breakout overtime paid v. regular wages paid in future years during the draft budget phase.
7. Reevaluate the Stipend Program.
8. Consider reconfiguration of the Principals within our schools next year. (Do we hear Eddington School being closed here??? Yes, we do.)
9. Implement more parent involvement to help offset cuts to staff.
10. Continue to offer early incentives to staff who may be considering retirement in the near future.
The first four recommendations, with the notations mentioned above, will be put before the School Board (April 26th - we need to check which school will host the meeting - at 6:30pm). It would really be good to see as many people start showing up for School Board meetings as have been at these budget planning meetings. !
And then there will be the Public Hearing in May as well as the communities VOTE in JUNE. As far as this writer is concerned, unless we see some cuts in Central Services, I'll be voting "NO" on the budget. If teachers are to be cut, and supplies to be cut to the bare bone, and the taxpayers still picking up more of the costs... then the Business Office can pitch in and share some of the pain, too.
NOW FOR SOME OF THE GOOD NEWS:
While many of the "top and high income school districts" failed to even meet the State's AVERAGE in the math and reading tests this year (even Brewer was in the 40 percent range and Bangor did no better), The Eddington Elementary School ranked 72% above the State average; Holden Elementary School ranked 73%; and Holbrook Middle School ranked 68%. Seems, for all of the SAD 63 recalcitrance in this blasted consolidation mess, the teachers, principals, and support staff are doing a heck of a lot better in our little neck of the woods than those sheep who followed the threats and empty promises of Augusta.
Write to Senator Richard Rosen and/or Representative Ben Pratt to express YOUR thoughts on this mess they have created for us, the people who elected them to represent US. It's us taxpayers who are paying their salaries and benefits, too. (BTW - Rosen is up for re-election this November.) Their addresses are:
Senator Richard Rosen; 3 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0003
Representative Ben Pratt; 2 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
AS TO THE ORRINGTON/DEDHAM "SITUATION". They are still communicating with the Commissioner but appear to expect permission to consolidate with just the two districts. According to someone who was at Orrington School Board's recent meeting, that Board's Chairman is reported to have made the statement that as long as he is Chair, Orrington will never consolidate with SAD 63. Whether the townspeople of Orrington - the taxpayers in that town, know of that individual's personal position - or what it will be costing them to educate the children of that town in future years - is unknown. But when there are fewer than five taxpayers who show up at that district's School Board meetings, chances are those taxpayers don't know any more than the people in SAD 63 who don't attend our school board meetings.
Just something to ponder. Maybe people in our towns should be making some phone calls.
Attendees at tonight's meeting were: Chair of the Board, Therese Anderson; Jackie Smallwood, Citizen Rep from Holden; Selectman Harvey from Holden; Mario Teisl, Chairman of the BFC and School Board member from Holden; Interim Superintendent Ray Hart; Sylvia Ellis, BFC School Board member from Holden; Ralph Russell, citizen rep from Eddington; Selectman Baker from Eddington; Don Varnum, BFC and School Board member from Holden; and Yvonne Mitchell, SAD 63 Business Manager. Selectwoman Peasly and Fred Rosenberg, citizen rep from Clifton were both absent.
The FAB members apparently met earlier this week, or last week, with the Business Manager. From that meeting, the members prepared a handout for tonight's meeting. In addition to a narrative statement, the FAB offered a total of 14 suggestions - four of a monetary nature and ten of a non-monetary nature to help with the current and future budgetary situations.
Prior to the FAB's suggestions, the drafted Budget was $445,865 over and above last year's budget. This includes the $178,000 ($180,000) tax penalty the state intends to charge SAD 63. NOTE: The penalty will be assessed as follows (according to Hart) - $96,000 from Holden; $55,000 from Eddington; and $25,000 from Clifton. Hart also stated that the $6.1 million statewide budget, that Commissioner Gendron is planning on having for the state's school's RSUs, is dependent on collecting these tax penalties from districts such as SAD 63. With that, it would not seem very likely that any district applying for an exemption would have much success unless our legislative Representatives (Senator Richard Rosen and Representative Ben Pratt went to bat for us. Not likely in this writer's opinion.
Of the monetary suggestions, they were as follows:
1. Reduce the Special Education program budget by $50,000. (the FAB's original suggestion was that the cut relate specifically to Special Ed. Techs; however the BFC determined their recommendation to the full School Board will be that the cuts be only in the amount allocated to the Program Area and that it will be up to the Special Ed. Director to determine where and how the cuts are applied.)
2. Cut the Part-time Librarian at Holbrook Middle School - and seek out parent volunteers or retirees in the communities that may be interested in running the library. (There was quite a bit of discussion re: this because the Holbrook principal felt the individual in the position is helping is a wide variety of school programs and that cutting the paid position for a volunteer would seriously effect the way those programs were run. A Special Ed. teacher also spoke up and said the current librarian is very helpful to the Special Ed students and providing a liaison to the Bangor Public Library. NOTE: While the FAB presented this as a Part-time position, other sources report to this writer that the individual in the librarian position is a full-time employee at the school - as a librarian, and that that occurred as an administrative decision by Hart late last summer. Interesting???
As a result of the discussion, the BFC decided its recommendation to the full School Board will be to take no position on the librarian position but that $17,300 be deducted from the Pre-K through 8 (General Instruction) cost center in the proposed budget - leaving it up to the administration to find the way to cut those costs.
3. Cut facilities/maintenance staff and central office staff by $20,000. This was intended to relate to alleged overtime being paid to staff in those areas. However, the FAB pointed out that current financial reporting does not separate overtime costs from regular wages & salaries' costs. The FAB made a strong recommendation that overtime be reduced in future budgets. There seems to be an expectation that teachers should be able to get their classrooms in better shape via students cleaning up after themselves rather than depending on the custodial staff to do that.
4. The FAB suggested that $75,000 could be saved by combining the incoming 3rd grade at Holden School with the incoming 4th grade class at Eddington School (because those classes are expected to be very small in number). It was suggested that should the total number of students (in that combined class) exceed 25, an Ed. Tech. should be hired to assist the teacher. The caveat was expressed that should the overall class size exceed 25-28, this suggestion may need to be re-evaluated.
The BFC members had quite a discussion re: all of these recommendations before coming up with its' final recommendation to the full School Board. The Bottom Line seemed to be that items #2 and #4 be combined with the direction that district administration work out where and how to make the cuts. With these additional $162,300 in cuts, the proposed budget would be $283,565 higher than last year. But that also includes the $180,000 tax penalty.
It was noted by individuals that the district currently pays out $12-19 thousand annually for staff committee stipends and another $7 thousand for B sports programs. Stipends are currently under review as a means of cutting costs.
It should be mentioned in the discussion that preceded the introduction of these items, the spokesperson for the FAB reviewed several issues that had been discussed - some of which had been raised at the public meetings and have been subsequently taken off the table. For public information, they are:
A. No cuts in Special Programs, such as music, arts, etc. (According to some BFC members, this issue never was on the table, although I heard it reported as such by a School Board member so someone was thinking it was on the table. But it's off the table now.)
B. Health insurance cost-sharing with staff are off the table this year - but they may be on the table next year because it is the norm in the world and there will be more cuts coming next year.
C. The Four-Day school week is off the table.
D. Reconfiguration of the school bus schedule is off the table for safety reasons.
E. The Central Office move from Holbrook Middle School to Holden School is off the table.
F. While the FAB suggested the Part-time bookkeeper in Central Services might be a position to cut (or cut back) for cost-savings, the current Business Manager strongly objected. NOTE: While every other area, as well as the taxpayers, are taking cuts, there appears to be no cuts or sacrifices being made at all by Central Office. Interesting???
The FAB's Non-Monetary Suggestions to the Budget were:
1. For the district to challenge legal opinions for recapturing high school tuition dollars. Several other districts are doing this, including Orrington and other nearby areas.
2. Form a Community Reconfiguring Committee immediately to begin studying the best options for consolidation/reconfiguration (and to be better prepared for next year's budget issues). (This idea seemed to be well received.)
3. The School Board and Leadership fight to have the penalty reevaluated (for numerous reasons, some of which Hart stated would not fly).
4. Reassess Special Education's current programs and learning results.
5. Revisit the employee's contribution to their insurance benefits for future years.
6. Breakout overtime paid v. regular wages paid in future years during the draft budget phase.
7. Reevaluate the Stipend Program.
8. Consider reconfiguration of the Principals within our schools next year. (Do we hear Eddington School being closed here??? Yes, we do.)
9. Implement more parent involvement to help offset cuts to staff.
10. Continue to offer early incentives to staff who may be considering retirement in the near future.
The first four recommendations, with the notations mentioned above, will be put before the School Board (April 26th - we need to check which school will host the meeting - at 6:30pm). It would really be good to see as many people start showing up for School Board meetings as have been at these budget planning meetings. !
And then there will be the Public Hearing in May as well as the communities VOTE in JUNE. As far as this writer is concerned, unless we see some cuts in Central Services, I'll be voting "NO" on the budget. If teachers are to be cut, and supplies to be cut to the bare bone, and the taxpayers still picking up more of the costs... then the Business Office can pitch in and share some of the pain, too.
NOW FOR SOME OF THE GOOD NEWS:
While many of the "top and high income school districts" failed to even meet the State's AVERAGE in the math and reading tests this year (even Brewer was in the 40 percent range and Bangor did no better), The Eddington Elementary School ranked 72% above the State average; Holden Elementary School ranked 73%; and Holbrook Middle School ranked 68%. Seems, for all of the SAD 63 recalcitrance in this blasted consolidation mess, the teachers, principals, and support staff are doing a heck of a lot better in our little neck of the woods than those sheep who followed the threats and empty promises of Augusta.
Write to Senator Richard Rosen and/or Representative Ben Pratt to express YOUR thoughts on this mess they have created for us, the people who elected them to represent US. It's us taxpayers who are paying their salaries and benefits, too. (BTW - Rosen is up for re-election this November.) Their addresses are:
Senator Richard Rosen; 3 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0003
Representative Ben Pratt; 2 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
AS TO THE ORRINGTON/DEDHAM "SITUATION". They are still communicating with the Commissioner but appear to expect permission to consolidate with just the two districts. According to someone who was at Orrington School Board's recent meeting, that Board's Chairman is reported to have made the statement that as long as he is Chair, Orrington will never consolidate with SAD 63. Whether the townspeople of Orrington - the taxpayers in that town, know of that individual's personal position - or what it will be costing them to educate the children of that town in future years - is unknown. But when there are fewer than five taxpayers who show up at that district's School Board meetings, chances are those taxpayers don't know any more than the people in SAD 63 who don't attend our school board meetings.
Just something to ponder. Maybe people in our towns should be making some phone calls.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Straight From the Bangor Daily News (for those of you who did not attend the meeting)
The results of Monday's elections are at the bottom of the article. As predicted, not many showed up to vote for Selectmen or School Board Representative. Guess people either don't care or figure "it's a done deal so why go."
Have to admit, I was one of the No Shows. I'd attended both Public Hearings on the proposed budget and figured it was reasonable. Knew it would pass at the Town Meeting anyway.
Knew the candidates would be elected, even if only one person showed up to vote. There was no opposition. But I won't vote for someone I don't know and have never heard from (as with one of the candidates for Selectmen) and with no Candidates Night, it's like writing a blank check.
Anyway, this is how the Town Manager reported the events went.
*****
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Eddington residents OK wind moratorium
By Nok-Noi Ricker
BDN Staff
EDDINGTON, Maine — Residents asked a few questions and voiced some concerns about windmills at Tuesday’s annual town meeting, then they endorsed a six-month moratorium on commercial and residential wind energy facilities, Town Manager Russell Smith said Wednesday.
The 180 days will give town planners, who have been working on a windmill ordinance since July, the time to craft an ordinance that fits the town.
“Overall, they wanted to see what the ordinance looks like,” Smith said of the nearly 70 residents who attended the annual meeting.
Eddington is just one of several Maine communities that recently have passed windmill moratoriums to allow town officials to work on rules and guidelines specific to their communities. The local moratorium can be extended by selectmen for an additional 180 days, if requested.
In late May, “we’ll have a document for our first public hearing to get input” from residents, Smith said. “I think there will be several public hearings, then they can hold a special town meeting” to consider enacting the ordinance.
No one has approached the town about building a commercial wind facility, Smith said, adding that one resident has erected a windmill.
During the meeting residents approved the annual municipal budget, which is “$4,007 less than last year,” Smith said. The 2010-11 preliminary municipal budget is $928,728. The draft budget includes:
• $23,400 for general government, unchanged from last year.
• $270,757 for administrative salaries and expenses, a proposed $15,469 decrease.
• $196,500 for highways, a $2,900 decrease.
• $253,818 for protection, a $13,841 increase.
• $128,651 for human services, a $1,021 increase.
• $5,000 for unanticipated or emergency expenses.
• Moving $415,000 in revenue-sharing and homestead reimbursement funds to reduce the tax commitment, a decrease of $10,000.
The preliminary budget does not include the Penobscot County tax, which is projected at around $6,000 more than last year, Smith said, or the SAD 63 budget amount that will be established later this year and will be part of the final budget determined in June.
During uncontested local elections held Monday, incumbent Selectman Charles Baker Jr. and resident Peter Lyford both collected 37 votes to earn seats on the board, and SAD 63 board member Karen Clark was re-elected to the school board with 38 votes, according to unofficial election results.
Lyford will replace Selectman Brian Glass, who decided not to run. All three seats are three-year terms.
The results of Monday's elections are at the bottom of the article. As predicted, not many showed up to vote for Selectmen or School Board Representative. Guess people either don't care or figure "it's a done deal so why go."
Have to admit, I was one of the No Shows. I'd attended both Public Hearings on the proposed budget and figured it was reasonable. Knew it would pass at the Town Meeting anyway.
Knew the candidates would be elected, even if only one person showed up to vote. There was no opposition. But I won't vote for someone I don't know and have never heard from (as with one of the candidates for Selectmen) and with no Candidates Night, it's like writing a blank check.
Anyway, this is how the Town Manager reported the events went.
*****
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Eddington residents OK wind moratorium
By Nok-Noi Ricker
BDN Staff
EDDINGTON, Maine — Residents asked a few questions and voiced some concerns about windmills at Tuesday’s annual town meeting, then they endorsed a six-month moratorium on commercial and residential wind energy facilities, Town Manager Russell Smith said Wednesday.
The 180 days will give town planners, who have been working on a windmill ordinance since July, the time to craft an ordinance that fits the town.
“Overall, they wanted to see what the ordinance looks like,” Smith said of the nearly 70 residents who attended the annual meeting.
Eddington is just one of several Maine communities that recently have passed windmill moratoriums to allow town officials to work on rules and guidelines specific to their communities. The local moratorium can be extended by selectmen for an additional 180 days, if requested.
In late May, “we’ll have a document for our first public hearing to get input” from residents, Smith said. “I think there will be several public hearings, then they can hold a special town meeting” to consider enacting the ordinance.
No one has approached the town about building a commercial wind facility, Smith said, adding that one resident has erected a windmill.
During the meeting residents approved the annual municipal budget, which is “$4,007 less than last year,” Smith said. The 2010-11 preliminary municipal budget is $928,728. The draft budget includes:
• $23,400 for general government, unchanged from last year.
• $270,757 for administrative salaries and expenses, a proposed $15,469 decrease.
• $196,500 for highways, a $2,900 decrease.
• $253,818 for protection, a $13,841 increase.
• $128,651 for human services, a $1,021 increase.
• $5,000 for unanticipated or emergency expenses.
• Moving $415,000 in revenue-sharing and homestead reimbursement funds to reduce the tax commitment, a decrease of $10,000.
The preliminary budget does not include the Penobscot County tax, which is projected at around $6,000 more than last year, Smith said, or the SAD 63 budget amount that will be established later this year and will be part of the final budget determined in June.
During uncontested local elections held Monday, incumbent Selectman Charles Baker Jr. and resident Peter Lyford both collected 37 votes to earn seats on the board, and SAD 63 board member Karen Clark was re-elected to the school board with 38 votes, according to unofficial election results.
Lyford will replace Selectman Brian Glass, who decided not to run. All three seats are three-year terms.
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