Dear Editor: 

A group of dedicated residents believes citizens are entitled to accurate financial information that affects their tax assessments and the expenditure of public funds. This group will continue to provide the work and finances necessary to achieve that goal. Information will be provided (https://edgecomb.me/ ) that is often not readily accessible as well as data and analysis where there are inconsistencies in the available public documents. 

Continued Inconsistencies: 

For example, the repeated explanation by the Edgecomb school board regarding the FY2026 budgeted social worker salary and benefit services of $118,543: “The social worker spends three days a week in Edgecomb and 2 days a week in Georgetown for which Edgecomb is compensated by Georgetown” does not correlate with known documents. 

Facts: 

An employed social worker position was created by an AOS98 superintendent contract in 2022. That contract stipulates the social worker will provide 182 days of FY 2023 service (4 days per week in Edgecomb, 1 day per week in Georgetown) for a “combined salary” of  $51,093.75. 

The FY2024 school year social worker contract stipulates: 

The AOS98 school districts agree to pay a combined salary of $77,000 … the compensation referred to above plus benefits as follows: Number of days: 182 (3 days per week in Edgecomb, 2 days per week in Georgetown). 

The FY2025 school year social worker contract stipulates: 

The AOS98 school districts agree to pay a combined salary of $80,850 … the compensation referred to above plus benefits as follows: Number of days:182 (4 days per week in Edgecomb, 1 day per week in Georgetown) 

Additional facts:

1. To date there is no evidence of a contract between the Edgecomb and Georgetown school systems regarding compensation for social worker services.

2. Georgetown budget documents show the following for social work contract services: FY2023 actual $13,096, FY2024 actual $11,803, FY2025 budget $0 (zero), YTD $0 (zero) 

3. Edgecomb documents: FY2023 miscellaneous revenue $6,243, FY2024 $0 (zero), FY2025 revenue plus expected SPED revenue from other districts $0 (zero) 

Taxpayers deserve more accurate and transparent answers! 

Kathryn Rohr MD 

Edgecomb