Edgecomb residents approved two school-related warrant articles May 30 during a special town meeting. Selectmen interrupted their board meeting at 6:30 p.m. to hold the hearing and vote which drew a dozen residents.

Former selectman Ted Hugger was elected moderator. Article 2 regarded allowing the school committee to use capital reserve funds as it deemed fit for its designated purposes during Fiscal Year 23. School Committee Chairman Heather Sinclair explained the reserve’s purpose as paying for building repairs, preventative maintenance, renovations, grounds improvements and upkeep, and transportation or major purchases like a boiler. The current reserve totals $68,371. “The unexpended reserve balance doesn’t lapse to the unassigned fund balance at the end of the fiscal year. Approval doesn’t affect the amount of taxes raised. This school year, Edgecomb Eddy experienced a number of unexpected expenses including, but not limited to the walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer,” she said.

Both the school committee and selectmen recommended a “Yes” vote on Article 2.

A previous version of Article 3 was voted down by residents in May 2022 regarding a student expense reserve. The new article sought authorization to expend amounts from the existing student expense reserve (formerly known as contingency reserve) as it deems appropriate and upon receiving select board approval for designated purposes during Fiscal Year 23. 

Sinclair said the student expense reserve is for “unanticipated” expenditures related to student education that may arise during the year such as tuition, transportation and additional staff. The current reserve is $140,000 and it does not lapse into the unassigned fund. Both the school committee and selectmen recommended a “Yes” vote on Article 3.

Neither article received a negative vote.