From the Superintendent
This is the fourth in a six-part series related to the district budget, with this week's focus examining how the budget impacts the classroom setting.
Last week I noted that MSAD #51 spends 74% of its total operating budget directly on the classroom, which is significantly higher than the state average of 68%. The remaining 26% of the budget relates to all aspects of the district that keep our schools operating, such as administration, utilities, debt, busing, custodial services, facility maintenance, etc. Said differently, the district's mission of educating students to their fullest potential and personal best naturally means that we are going to prioritize direct funding to classrooms. These three considerations, or criteria, are at the forefront of decision-making:
- Enrollment changes (up or down at different schools and grade levels)
- Class size (grade-level dependent in most cases)
- Programming (meeting all students' needs per our mission)
Since 2016 the district's enrollment has incrementally increased, from just over 2,000 students to 2,250 today, with another 250 students expected by the end of this decade. As enrollment inches upward, additional teachers have been added to the budget to keep class sizes at moderate levels. The bulk of this increase has occurred at the elementary level, though it has now caught up at GMS 6-8, where two teaching positions are being added in 2025-26. With 29 modular classrooms between MIW and GMS, we have navigated an additional layer of consideration given the constraints of slightly smaller square footage in modular rooms.
Each year we review class sizes across the district and make adjustments as needed. For example, class size went hand-in-hand with making a decision to add more teachers at GMS 6-8 due to enrollment growth over a 2-year period, though it also helped us decide to forego an additional teacher requested at MIW, along with reducing a teaching position at GHS in 25-26. Class sizes generally are held at lower levels in grades PK-2, with larger classes seen in grades 3-8 as students become more independent with age.
The Strategic Plan has led to enhanced academic programming over the years and thus a greater commitment in direct funding to the classroom. Examples over the last decade include alternative education, Pathways, academic and behavioral interventions, mental health support, and special education, among others. At GHS, where the Board has long been committed to a comprehensive high school program, services range from IB and AP to special education, alternative education, and everything in between. In order to help students gain the full benefit of these courses and program offerings, class sizes vary anywhere from a half dozen to 25, depending on the master schedule, individual student needs, and graduation requirements.
Catch up with the previous segments in this series:
Part 3: Budget Organization
Part 2: Determining Budget Priorities
Part 1: Budget Process
Regards,
Jeff Porter
Congrats to our All State Musicians on an incredible festival May 15-17!
Master drummer Sayon Camara, from the village of Kouya Sidia in Guinea, West Africa, visited with MIW students last week.
Notices from the Office of the Superintendent
Last Day of School
Please note that the last day of school is Tuesday, June 17. Early dismissal times will be as follows: Grades K-5 will be dismissed at 12:30 PM; Grades 6-12 will be dismissed at 11:30 AM. As a reminder Wednesday, June 11 is a half day of school.
School Calendar
Reminder that next school year will begin after Labor Day. View the school calendar here.
Work Permits for MSAD #51 Students
If your child is between the ages of 14 to 16 and is in need of a work permit, please complete this work permit application. Work permit applications can be dropped off at the MSAD #51 District Office (little red building), located at 357 Tuttle Road. If you prefer to email, please send to Tricia Small ([email protected]). The processing of work permits typically ranges from 1-2 business days. The District Office is open 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday (hours may vary in the summer).
If you have any questions regarding the Maine laws governing employment of minors, please check out the link below for complete details: www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/minorsguide/
Stay Connected
Click on the icon above to connect with MSAD #51.
Find all the ways MSAD #51 shares information.
MSAD #51 Board of Directors Information
All meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in the Gyger Room at Greely High School. For those of you unfamiliar with that room, the Gyger Room can be accessed from the GHS parking lot (the side without the electronic sign).
May 22 - Regular Meeting
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo)
Links
Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting Videos
Budget Information 2025-26
Detailed budget information can be found on the District's website at: https://www.msad51.org/
One Campus Project Information
For comprehensive information regarding the School Building Project, please visit the project page at: https://www.msad51.org/
Save the Date!
Stay Updated!
Check out this new One Campus One Community photo album. It will be updated weekly as the project proceeds.
Useful Links
Greely Center for the Arts Events
If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Melissa Porter for approval. The deadline each week is Wednesday. Any requests received after Wednesday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website.
Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event.
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021
Contact Us | 207.829.4800