Dear Editor:

In the 2020 school year there were eighty-six (86) resident elementary students (Pre-K through 6th) in the Edgecomb Eddy School. 

The direct operating costs for Eddy in that FY2020 school year (eliminating the direct operating costs for grades 7-12) were $2,155,877 or $25,068 per resident Pre-K to sixth grade elementary student. 

Compared to Boothbay, Bristol, Great Salt Bay, Nobleboro, Penobscot and South Bristol elementary schools, the Edgecomb Eddy 2019 Maine state test (MECAS) scores ranked English Language Arts #3, Math #1, Science #3.  The school was ranked in the top three back then. 

Now in 2026 there are 77 resident elementary students in the Edgecomb Eddy School. 

Using the same direct cost calculation for resident Pre-K to sixth grade students, next year's budget is for the $4,014,431 or $52,135 per resident Pre-K to sixth grade resident elementary student, a greater than $27,000 increase per student! 

Ranked against those same six schools, the most recent Edgecomb Eddy MECAS test scores are: English Language Arts #7 (last place), Math #5, Science #7 (last place). How can that be acceptable? Paying more and achieving less is not a formula for success. 

It’s a competitive world out there and our children need a good start. We need sustainable, real-world budgets that are focused on student academic achievement, not “wish list budgets” from administrators.   

Clearly, the present school administration is not getting it done. It’s time for change. Our students deserve a great education, and Edgecomb deserves an administration who can deliver on that promise. 

Kathryn Rohr  

Edgecomb