Thursday, March 14, 2013

RSU 21 officials warn district is at a 'critical point'

KENNEBUNK — RSU 21 could be facing its most difficult budget year yet, said Superintendent Andrew Dolloff, who is in the midst of preparing a fiscal year 2014 budget that takes into account an anticipated loss of $1.2 million in state funds.

The school district is facing the $1.2 million impact due to a loss in state aid and a change that would force significant costs for teacher retirement on to local districts. While the numbers are not finalized, Dolloff said the district has been told it can expect to receive $3.8 million in general purpose aid from the state next year, a drop of $737,940. The district is also facing an additional expense of $440,170 due to the shift in retirement costs.

The reduction in state aid and additional retirement costs being pushed locally will make this "the most difficult budget season" the RSU has faced, Dolloff said. Last year, RSU 21 eliminated nearly 12 positions, he said, and approximately eight positions in each of the two years prior. With enrollment remaining fairly stable, he said the district is at a "critical point."

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