Dear Editor: 

In 2017 the Edgecomb School Board embarked on a program to increase the number of nonresident tuition students attending the Edgecomb Eddy School.  Apparently, this was initiated in response to a rapid decline in resident students that threatened the financial viability of the school. 

Although Maine has a long history of school choice, dating back to its “town-tuitioning” law of 1873, the associated regulations usually apply to an individual student in accordance with the provisions of Sec. A-3. 20-A MRSA §5207. This situation is different, as it involves a contract between the Edgecomb school board and RSU-12, dating from 2018 and extending through June 30, 2028. It provides for enrollment of an unlimited number of RSU-12 students at a tuition rate “not to exceed the allowable tuition rate established by the state.”

That contract is a major problem that burdens the Edgecomb taxpayer. The problem is easily demonstrated by a simple calculation. In FY2024 it cost $31,50toeducate each Eddy student. That same year Edgecomb was reimbursed only $15,975 for each of 27 tuition students, creating a total deficit of $419,229. Despite increases in the state’s tuition rate, this has been a consistent problem throughout the contract and has almost certainly contributed to over-expended budgets such as the FY2023 budget that was  “Over expended by $295,543.” Further calculation shows that the total budget deficit created by the RSU-12 contract from FY2019 through FY2024 equals $1,463,437.

This year there are 37 tuition students at the Eddy school which will create an even greater deficit. That deficit must be covered by an increase in Edgecomb property taxes that could otherwise be used to enrich programs for resident students. One is reminded of the old adage “when you are in a hole, stop digging.” In this case, the hole is in the pockets of the Edgecomb taxpayer.

Kathryn Rohr MD 

Edgecomb 

*Includes all revenue sources such as budgeted expenses, withdrawals from general fund, grants, etc.  Maine DOE https://www.maine.gov/doe/ 

** Superintendent’s Report, 14 August 2023