Dear Editor: 

A Wiscasset special town meeting to approve the school budget was held on April 29. It was attended by less than 10% of the registered voters, the majority of which were united to approve the school budget. Throughout the Special Town Meeting, many of the attempts to understand the reasoning behind the cost of any item was met with the motion to "Move the Question," which ends debate and brings the article to a vote. It prevents any attempt to understand the budget. 

Questions unanswered: Is the budget reasonable, achievable and sufficient to meet the required learning results? Is there adequate or excessive margin to cover unexpected costs? How does a comparable school district with both a middle high school and an elementary school with more students, operate with a budget $2 million less than the Wiscasset budget.? 

"Move the Question" prevents discussion on many pertinent issues. Questions never get asked. Why do we have more administrative staff and more teachers than a comparable school with more students? What are the primary drivers for the budget increases?  

Student assessments are significantly below average expectations in the state, and the state being amongst the lowest rated in the country. Student enrollment has been decreasing and experienced teachers have been leaving. 

The voters have another opportunity to vote by secret ballot on the budget validation referendum. The question that appears on the ballot, as defined by state statute, reads: "Do you favor approving the Wiscasset School Department budget for the upcoming school year that was adopted at the latest Wiscasset School Department budget meeting? "YES" "NO" 

There is no mention of the amount on this item. There is no transparency. This budget item accounts for approximately 70% of the property tax rate. You have to vote for it to find out what's in it; the difference being that you won't realize what you voted for until you see your tax bill in September.  

Edward J. Polewarczyk 

Wiscasset