Preliminary 2018 budget figures for Boothbay region schools show increases in both health insurance rates and retirement costs. On Jan. 25, Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Eileen King shared the first part of the proposed budget — which focused on financial information for Boothbay Region High School, Boothbay Region Elementary School, health, transportation, and food services — with the Boothbay-Boothbay Region Community School District (CSD) board.

King explained to the board that last year she estimated a 10 percent increase in health insurance. “It came in at 13 percent and we were able to absorb that,” King said. For the 2018 budget, King has again figured in a 10 percent increase. Although final rates will not be available until late March or April, King is hoping for the best.

Retirement costs have also risen, according to King, and have been since costs shifted from the state to local districts in 2013. “Those are costs we can't control,” King said, reminding board members that first draft figures could change. Any questions regarding the first portion of the draft will be discussed at the next meeting, when the focus will shift to elementary and secondary special education, and secondary technology.

 BRES English teacher Cory Chase opened the meeting with a short presentation on a new program in the middle school. The program gives students an option to either remain in study hall or participate in learning experiences with community volunteers. Chase collaborated with Jane Barter and Angel Ames from Boothbay Harbor's Community Center to set up short-term “career exploration” sessions between students and volunteers. So far, the program has introduced students to experts and professionals on quilting, junior firefighting, and beauty and skin care.

“It's doing a great job getting the community into our schools,” said BRES Principal Mark Tess.

At the conclusion of Chase's presentation, Laura Perkins, mother of two high school students, asked BRHS Principal Dan Welch if there might be anything similar introduced in the high school for students who might need more challenges than the current curriculum has to offer. “I'd love to hear what programs are in play and what we can do to keep these kids engaged,” she said.

Welch said, “That's something we haven't explored. But students have mentors and internships within the community. We offer top level programming and AP courses in anatomy, physiology, meteorology, oceanography. We offer a lot of alternatives.”

“What are you looking for?” asked board member Stephanie Hawke.

Perkins explained she's had conversations with students and parents regarding the fact that there is no accelerated pace for gifted students. “They're stuck in the same AP class that's going all year at the same rate. A group of kids are not engaging,” she said.

AOS 98 Assistant Superintendent Shawn Carlson said, “Kerrin Erhard and the guidance office provide opportunities for kids to explore not just colleges, but career options. She sits down with most of our juniors or seniors. That's part of her charge and I think she carries it out very well.”

“I agree. But you're not looking to roll out a gifted and talented program that would get them lined up with adults in our community? That's not a goal?” asked Perkins.

“At this point, no. I'm willing to explore it if that's the direction the board and the superintendent gives me,” said Welch.

Board member Bruce MacDonald mentioned that he knows several community members who are experts in their field who might be willing to participate. “Why not explore it?”

King asked if it make sense for Perkins and Welch to talk.

“We'll touch base and go from there,” said Welch.

Special Olympics, focus on kindness and more

Tess announced that 10 athletes would be skiing at the 2017 Special Olympics Winter Games at Sugarloaf on Jan. 29, 30 and 31. “Level 4 skiing is the highest level you can have at the Special Olympics, and two thirds of the kids at level 4 in our entire state are in our school,” Tess said. He mentioned that on the first night, the largest volunteer meal in the state would take place and there would be a victory dance with a torchlight parade.

Tricia Campbell, BRES assistant principal, told the board that the Climate and Culture committee's efforts to focus on kindness in December were a great success. “Both teachers and students got into participating and it was a positive experience,” said Campbell. The committee will continue to urge students to make good choices and be respectful of others. A second all-school assembly is planned for March.

Welch announced that a new partnership with the University of Southern Maine has resulted in awarding six students with three college credits in history, applicable to any University of Maine campus. He said he hopes to expand the program into BRHS's English department.

Band and chorus will now be more accessible to students, Welch said. “We've come up with the baseline of a decent solution. It would change a few things we do, but it will make band and chorus regular classes,” he said.

Financials

King provided updated financial information to the board. “Our annual budget is $9,465,280. We've received 48 percent of our revenue to date. Our YTD revenue is $4,547,583. We're expecting $4,917,697. Most of our revenue is coming in from the towns, the rest is coming in, in tuition amounts. Tuition rates for the state were set in December. Right now, it's $10,530. We're rebilling the differences. We're on track to receive revenue as we have expected,” King said.

Regarding expenditures, King said, “We have 53 percent of our budget remaining. Our December expenses were $737,660. The amount remaining is $4,983,3114. Our YTD expenses are $4,436,518. We're in our normal spending track. It's been a warm winter, with not much snow. That helps.”

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. in the BRHS library.