Reductions in state subsidy, available revenue and less carry-over funds this year could mean a $1.2 million increase in the Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit 12 education budget next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Board members expressed their support for new grant-funded professional development and literacy programs during the school district's April 11 meeting, but are now also aware the upcoming budget may require cuts in positions and programs.

“It's a little difficult to ask towns to take on this particular burden,” Finance Committee chairman Jerry Nault said, referring to the anticipated increase (more than 10 percent) in local contributions to the upcoming, 2013-2014 budget. Nault said the Finance Committee is looking at ways to reduce costs and increase revenue.

In addition to a $146,000 cut in state funding, about $96,000 in teacher retirement costs has been shifted to the school district, according to Nault. “That's about $250,000 that could go toward programs,” he said.

Additionally, board members expressed some frustration over the state not meeting funding requirements as stipulated by a law passed in 2005. Their conversation revealed the state currently provides 45 percent of the share of education costs under the Essential Programs and Services model (the cost of education as determined by the state). However, the law enacted in 2005 raised the state share to 55 percent.

Also impacting the budget are increased costs for fuel, insurance and maintenance, and the expiration of grant funding for various programs.

The current year budget is approximately $25.7 million. Even though the Finance Committee has made $750,000 in proposed cuts (funding for most sports programs, staff hours and capital improvements), Nault said the district is still facing a $26.9 million dollar budget for the coming school year. That's a 4.5 percent overall increase, and a 10 percent increase in local costs.

Nault recommended they find a way to raise $350,000 in revenue, either through carry-over funds or some other method. This would lower the impact to towns from a 10 percent increase to an eight or nine percent increase in local contribution costs, he said.

When asked by a board member how much it would cost to maintain all programs and services currently in place, Nault said he guessed it could mean a 15 percent increase in the total budget.

Budget adjustments could include cutting funding for a literacy coach, however, several board members voiced their support for a reading recovery program. A presentation explained how the program trains teachers and helps special education students succeed.

Teachers from different schools in the district spoke favorably of the reading recovery program and of the help a literacy coach has provided. Literacy coach Kirsten Perry explained how she helped teachers formulate different approaches to instruct struggling students.

“I want to caution what programs we cut,” Whitefield representative Malinda Caron said. “I would hate to see a program that works get dropped.”

Board members also discussed other items that contribute to the district, and ultimately reduce costs. The district received a loan to contract with the Siemens energy company to audit energy usage at all RSU buildings.

The school district is already seeing the benefits in recommended changes to energy usage, according to board chair Hilary Holm. Also, many board members feel getting laptops and iPads into students' hands pay off in the long-run, she said.

Board and Finance Committee members will continue to brainstorm to try and lower the impacts to local towns over the next two weeks. There will be a special board of directors meeting on April 25 to discuss the budget further.