(Printable versions attached)
To the MSAD51 Community –
On November 18th, the MSAD#51 School Board hosted a budget forum to provide
background information on the District and the budget issues we face this year and then
to get input from the community on its vision of our school system and the values we
have about education and our district. The 50+ participants at the forum were asked to
provide input on a series of questions posed by the Board and the Administration. After
the forum, those unable to attend had the opportunity to provide their ideas either online
or on paper.
The background presentation from that evening remains available for reading on the
Services, and select Finance Committee). Karen Campbell and Todd Nicholson of the
Board have organized and summarized the responses received at and after the forum.
Attached to this message and posted on the District website are, first, a summary of the
top seven responses to each question and, second, a more compete listing of all the
categories of ideas submitted for each question.
In reviewing this information, keep in mind that the forum was intended to look at the
bigger picture of our vision for the school district and was not intended to dive deeply
into specifics. The responses we received reflect that by and large, the community is
supportive of the work of the school district and looking for the district to continue the
work that is underway in improving student performance. But the community recognizes
the funding difficulties we are facing and needs further guidance from the Board and the
Administration on what options we have in addressing these challenges.
The Finance Committee is finalizing plans for the next public budget forum to get
additional input from the community and hopes to announce those plans after our Board
meeting January 19th. As the budget development process continues, there will be
further opportunities through workshops and public hearings for the public to review the
budget that will be proposed by the Administration and the Board, to ask questions, and
provide feedback. The School Board has the ultimate responsibility to adopt a budget for
the district and set it before the two communities for review and vote – first at the public
budget meeting in early June followed by the budget validation referendum a few days
later. The Board will exercise that responsibility assisted by the questions, concerns,
ideas and comments from the community.
Our sincere hope is that you will continue to engage with us in this budget process as the
year continues.
Jim Bailinson
Finance Committee Chair
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