During their Dec. 9 meeting, Edgecomb school officials briefly discussed how the CSD’s Master Plan may impact their students’ future. Last month,  the Boothbay-Boothbay CSD hired a firm to study the future of their two school buildings which need approximately $10 million in repairs.

On Dec. 11, a review committee will meet with CSD officials in Superintendent Keith Laser’s Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 office to discuss the scope of project and schedule. Edgecomb School Committee Chairman Tom Abello asked Laser about the project’s next step. Laser responded that question would be answered based upon the upcoming meeting. 

“Whatever they do impacts our kids, too,” Abello said. “We’re not looking to tinker with their infrastructure and campus, but there should be regular updates for us and our taxpayers.” Laser responded he would keep Edgecomb officials informed about the progress, but reminded them the ultimate decision lies with Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor officials. 

In other action, Laser updated Edgecomb School Committee members on AOS 98’s application to become an education service center. Enacted in 2018, the program was offered in hopes of leading to further regionalization of school resources which would free up money for additional programs. Initially, the program wasn’t offered to school units already in an AOS. But a 2019 change in the law has made that an option for AOS 98 and other AOS’s.

An executive director would operate the center. The AOS would receive additional state funding which covers 55% percent of the center director’s salary and more computer software. Laser told committee members the Department of Education had received both portions of the state application and he is “optimistically” awaiting approval. 

The superintendent also reported Edgecomb Eddy and all other AOS 98 schools are waiting for arrival of equipment for a security system entrance upgrade. A current upgrade of all AOS 98 schools includes replacing old technology for locked doors and security cameras. The project is delayed as two companies are involved. One is responsible for the new card reader and other for computer software. “The hold-up is waiting for the two companies to integrate the system so the software can read the cards,” he said. 

The committee approved hiring Britney Chapman as a part-time school custodian. Chapman began working on Nov. 18, and Michaud reported “she had done a fine job.”

The committee finalized its school budget meeting schedule. The committee charged Principal Ira Michaud to have his first draft completed by Dec. 18. The committee will further review spending requests during Jan. 6 and March 9 meetings in preparation for submitting an April 1 request to the Edgecomb Budget Committee.  

The committee went into executive session to discuss compensation for school principal and support staff. No further action took place following the session. The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan 6.