A kitchen manager's position along with shared costs for a new Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 assistant superintendent and a shared Individualized education program coordinator position are among potential additions to next year's Edgecomb school budget. Dec. 15, the school committee discussed priorities for the next budget.

During the discussion, members were committed to maintaining current teacher staffing levels. Members are also considering hiring a kitchen manager. The committee is considering more than how much more money it would cost serving a school breakfast and lunch. "Part of the conversation is not just talking about dollars and cents," AOS 98 Superintendent Bob Kahler said. "Someone is already delivering snacks to kids so we need to take that into consideration. So who is doing that, and what isn't getting done because the person is occupied with other tasks."

Edgecomb and other AOS 98 members are also considering hiring an assistant superintendent. The state already pays half of Kahler's superintentendent's salary, but it wouldn't contribute any for an assistant under state law. An assistant would likely address curriculum instruction and assessment and free up time for administrators. Kahler estimated an assistant superintendent would likely cost $120,000 per year for salary and benefits.

An IEP instructor position is under consideration as part of a shared expense with the Community School District. Kahler explained the split would be based on the number of students in the program. "This would not be a 50/50 split because the CSD would have substantially more students in the program," Kahler said.

AOS and school officials also expect a major increase in health insurance costs. Kahler estimated it may rise by 20%.

In other action, other AOS 98 schools are moving forward with Affinity Lighting's proposal, but not Edgecomb. Kahler reported the town asked the school committee to hold off on the Affinity proposal. "The town is seeking a state grant so we are waiting to see what happens there," Kahler said.

Director of Technology Abby Manahan also updated members about the "do's and don'ts" of email phishing. Recently, school committee members reported receiving suspicious-looking phishing emails. Manahan reminded them about the importance of double authentications and taking extra steps for 100% compliance. "It was more of an update to the members," Kahler said. "When in doubt let her know and forward anything suspicious to her."

The committee hired Darcy Baggett as a first-year social worker on a probationary contract. Kahler said she had over 15 years' experience and a master's degree. She started Dec. 8, and will work one day in Edgecomb and one day in Georgetown per week.

The school committee meets next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 in the cafeteria.