The Community School District (CSD) Board of Trustees on Dec. 11 discussed upcoming budget work. The district reported a preliminary CSD budget has historically been presented in February with final approval in April, and a budget validation referendum in June.

Chair Troy Lewis updated the board on a meeting between the Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 board chairs. He said they mostly discussed setting up a timeline for the budget process. Although specific dates were not set, Lewis said he estimates it will take around three months.   

Lewis said the chairs also talked about simplifying cost sharing in the district. According to the board, there are currently services and budget items other district schools use but are paid for by the CSD and then reimbursed. Lewis said the group is looking into ways to make it more efficient. AOS 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler, who was also at the meeting, said the district is exploring shifting district-wide expenses to the AOS 98 budget.  

In his report, Kahler also proposed creating a finance subcommittee made up of members of the trustees and school committee. He said the purpose would be to explore financial and budgetary questions and report back to the board. In addition, he said it would be an opportunity for communication and collaboration between the boards.  

During public comment, Boothbay Harbor resident Tom Perkins spoke to the board about potential financial impacts from account holdings, especially in regard to being reimbursed quickly. He said that three to five years ago interest rates were down, so where money was stored didn't have much impact; however, they are now around 4 to 5%. “If we could get these assets sitting in our coffers it could make quite a difference to the budget,” he said.   

In addition, the board continued discussions about water leaks in the elementary school. Director of Safety and Transportation Kyle Canada presented a layout of the building with around 10 areas and rooms that show signs of leaking. He said the sources of some are unclear, but he would investigate during rain events.   

Canada also presented the board with information on window film products that manufacturers claim enhance security by resisting shattering and energy efficiency by reflecting heat. He said there isn't an updated quote, but the cost for 25 windows was estimated around $6,300 in 2018. Canada added that around 40 windows should be treated if the project moves ahead, but it could also be done as part of the school referendum renovations.