Those who pay school taxes are aware of the high cost of public education. School boards are sensitive to the delicate balance that exists between the demands of adequately funding schools and what taxpayers pay. In communities of the Midcoast, revenue for our schools comes mostly from taxpayers’ property taxes.

On average, 80% of the AOS 98’s $17 million budget pays the salaries and benefits of the district's 200 faculty and staff. The remaining $3.4 million funds building maintenance costs, heat, electricity, insurance, athletics, extracurricular activities, classroom supplies, books, technology infrastructure, professional development, transportation, and several other line items in the school’s budget. Teachers know that there are valuable instructional tools, training opportunities, and activities that would benefit their students, nonetheless, there is not enough money in the remaining budget to support their requests.

Fortunately, a tax-exempt entity is available in our district to fund valuable teacher initiatives as well as provide financial support for athletic upgrades. The Boothbay Region Education Fund (BREF) is an opportunity for citizens to donate money, tax-free, to strengthen our schools and support teachers and students. The large percentage of the revenue currently in the foundation's account is from the Lobster Roll runs that the community has generously supported each year. That money is earmarked for building a first-class cross-country course on school grounds this coming summer.

Over the next few months, teachers in Edgecomb Eddy School, Southport Central School, and Boothbay/Boothbay Harbor elementary and high schools, will be identifying needs that they would like the BREF Trustees to consider funding. As they become available we will post on the BREF website the details of specific projects. You can support projects directly with either a restricted or an unrestricted gift. Instructions on how you can contribute to BREF is on the district’s website or you can email me at klaser@aos98schools.org or call at 633-2874. Please consider helping our great teachers educate our students.