The Edgecomb School Committee directed Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Dr. Keith Laser to investigate whether buying or leasing a minivan is the best option in reducing transportation costs for a day treatment student. The school is paying $286 per day transporting a student to Saco. The student has an individualized education program requiring services not provided by Edgecomb Eddy. A federal law requires local school systems to pay for programming meeting a student’s individual needs.

On Feb. 3, school officials reported the student required a day program. The closest one with an opening is in Saco. Laser reported between transportation and tuition, the cost is approximately $1,500 per week. Currently, the student is being transported by a private carrier. Principal Ira Michaud recommended using a minivan which may reduce mounting transportation costs. The school committee voted 3-0 directing Laser to provide information on which option was the most fiscally responsible.

A second situation is also putting a strain on school transportation costs. The school system is providing transportation for a student living in a Bath homeless shelter. School officials described both situations as “unforseeable,” but the school was responsible for providing transportation in both instances. Federal law requires the school system to provide transportation for the homeless student for one academic year. The student involved in the day program would likely extend into the summer, according to school officials. “The transportation budget has taken a huge hit,” Laser said. “This should help alleviate some of the pain, but we probably need to address this in the next school budget, and see if the town would put more money into transportation or move some money around from other accounts.”

Despite transportation cost problems, school officials reported good news concerning the 2020-21 budget. The current draft recommends $3,354,956 in spending, up 5.52%, but additional revenues help curb what local taxpayers will pay. Edgecomb is receiving more funds in state subsidy and special education reimbursements and an anticipated 12-tuition paying students. The state subsidy is an estimated  $404,823, an increase from $224,632 in the current budget year. Approximately $250,000 of state funds results from debt service on Edgecomb Eddy School. The last payment is scheduled for this year, so school officials expect to receive significantly less in coming years.

Abello noted this was the first time in a decade that Edgecomb had received an increase in state funding. Michaud noted even when the debt service funding ended next year, it would be offset by no longer making a loan school payment.

The committee expects to submit a recommendation Feb. 27 to Edgecomb’s budget committee, which will finalize its proposal March 9 and present it to selectmen April 1.

In other action, the committee approved 14 of 15 proposed policy revisions. The committee tabled a updated proposed policy on school board member conflict of interest. Committee member Dawn Murphy requested Laser search for a possible alternative policy, believing the proposal was too restrictive. “I know the policy regarding nepotism has exceptions if the candidate has unique qualifications. I think we should explore exemptions for this policy, too. I don’t think one year is reasonable.”

Selectman Mike Smith offered the committee three proposals. The first was to invite sixth graders to participate in a pre-Memorial Day program with selectmen. Last year, sixth graders joined selectmen in placing American flags on veterans’ graves at the Town Hall Cemetery. Smith also requested school officials distribute an economic development brochure sponsored by a citizens’ group which previously served as the economic development committee. The group disbanded, but several members have continued to sponsor community events, like the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Decorating Contest. The brochure describes various parts of Edgecomb as an economic development initiative.

Smith also encouraged school committee members to consider a state report detailing population trends in the Midcoast. The report shows the Midcoast’s population contracting and southern Maine’s expanding. In Edgecomb, the town loses 13% of its population between 2006 and 2036. “I’d like you to take a look at the report and starting thinking about the future,” Smith said. “All the local towns have a similar problem except Alna, which shows a 5% percent increase. It might be a good chance for long term planning to address what Edgecomb  might look like with a little over a thousand residents.”

The committee meets next at 6 p.m. Monday, March 9.