Edgecomb selectmen approved a school committee request June 13 to use “up to $100,000” from the student expense reserve account. The committee requested additional funds to cover Fiscal Year 23 unanticipated costs. Chairman Heather Sinclair explained the committee needs to cover costs in contracted services, psychological services, professional development and instructional supplies.

The committee needs about $60,000 for contracted services for an Edgecomb resident’s child who began the academic year at another school. “The child enrolled after the budget was approved and the student needed contracted interpreting services,” she said.

There is an estimated need for $35,000 in psychological services for several other students. The funds would cover additional evaluations, consults and professional development. Principal Tom Landberg and new educational technicians received required safety care initial certification. The professional development course cost about $2,600. There was also a need for instructional supplies for academic instruction and teacher support. Sinclair listed iPads and phone apps as purchased instructional supplies.

The amount of taxes raised for Fiscal Year 24 would not be impacted by the request, said Sinclair. “As a result of discussions during the recent budget sessions, Edgecomb chose to use a reserve account to set aside funds for student-based situations. In order to support this account, selectmen requested they act as an additional layer of transparency when accessing these funds,” she said. “At the recent town meeting, Edgecomb voted to allow access to the now named student expense reserve.”

In other action, selectmen continue negotiations to sell back a foreclosed property to the previous owner. In May, the house was lost to fire while the previous owner remained in the foreclosed property. Selectman Mike Smith reported the previous owner is interested in reacquiring the property. Selectmen voted 3-0 to sell the property back if the previous owner paid $25,250 which would cover back taxes and fees. Another condition is removing debris caused by the fire in a “reasonable time frame.” Selectmen set a 6 p.m. June 27 deadline to accept the deal.

Selectmen approved the language of a letter to Maine Department of Transportation in response to the 2024 Route 27 renovation project “We want them to do it, and do it right,” Smith said. “Their approach of only tarring where tar was before isn’t the right approach. They should work on the shoulders and whatever problem that needs addressing.” In the letter, selectmen requested fixing all narrow sloping shoulders and widening both sides, trimming trees in shaded areas, and promoting better drainage to prevent ice forming, providing better signage to encourage safer speeds, and other safety precautions. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 27 in the conference room.