Dear Editor:

Stubborn facts regarding Edgecomb school finances (FY2025 ACTUALS):

1.The costs assigned to elementary (PreK-6) education were $2,594,906 for 81 resident students. That’s $32,036 per resident elementary student.

2. Elementary tuition students from other towns were only billed $18,813 per student. What a bargain for the sending town! Edgecomb tax payers have subsidized tuition students a total of over $243,600 since FY2020. 

3. The costs assigned to secondary (7-12) education were $1,016.738 for 61 resident students. That’s $16,668 per resident secondary student. 

Other “inconvenient” facts:

1. Despite massive budget increases, Edgecomb school’s test scores and outside agency ratings have continued to decrease relative to comparable neighboring schools.

2. Comparable neighboring schools have higher test scores and lower per student costs.

3. Neighboring schools that don’t accept tuition students have higher test scores, higher ratings and lower per student costs.

4. Neighboring schools that don’t have PreK have higher test scores and lower per student costs.

5. Edgecomb teachers and staff already have some of the highest salaries and benefits in the state. (Eddy is often referred to as the “Gold Coast school” in Maine education circles.) 

Consider:

1. If Edgecomb teachers and staff didn’t have to spread their teaching expertise across an additional 30 tuition students, Edgecomb students logically might receive more personal and effective instruction.

2. There’s no evidence massive increases in the school budget are solving the problem of decreasing academic performance.  Comparable schools are getting better results with lower costs.

3. Edgecomb has received an additional $957,758 in state and federal education grants (above the state EPS) since FY2020, without apparent benefit.  Where was that money spent, as it’s not included in the budgets? 

It’s time for change. Edgecomb school board requires leadership that spends less time telling us how great they are and more time and effort improving academic performance. We need honest answers to legitimate questions from concerned citizens. Lastly, we need a school board that understands comprehensive financial analysis and GAAP-based budgetary accountability. It’s a competitive world and our students and taxpayers deserve better. 

Kathryn Rohr MD 

Edgecomb