02/26/2015

School budget proposal for 2015-16 responds to declining enrollment, strategic plan goals

Superintendent Meredith Nadeau is proposing a $23.8 million school budget for next year, one that poses a 12-cent increase in the current town tax rate of $16.80. The school budget recommendation is up $600,000 over this year's, an increase of 2.6 percent.

The School Board took their first look at the proposal at a workshop Feb. 25, 2015. Michael Moore, chair of the board's finance committee, said board members would begin substantive discussion at workshop meetings in March, giving "stakeholders" time to review proposals and to approach the board with questions or concerns. [see school website for school budget details and review schedule].

Nadeau's 2015-16 budget proposal continues to mirror the School Department's five-year strategic plan, now in its third year, and responds to projections for declining enrollment.

"As enrollment is projected to continue to trend downward during the next few years, the same thoughtful approach utilized to develop the strategic plan and (Capital Improvement Plan) will be needed to maintain the comprehensive offerings for which the district is known," Nadeau says in her budget message to the board.

Cape Elizabeth is projected to lose 46 of its 1,647 students next year, a decrease of 2.8 percent. The Middle School and Pond Cove School are expected to see the biggest reduction, 39 students and 12 students respectively, while the High School is expected to gain five students. The number of special-education students is also expected to decrease 4 percent to a projected 153, Nadeau said.

Consequently the budget proposes to cut a net 3.5 staff positions, a reduction of $151,470. Plans are to not replace two retiring teachers - one at Pond Cove and one at the Middle School; reduce the special-education director to half-time, and eliminate one teacher and one educational technician from the special-ed staff. Both of the special-ed positions are vacant and the case load has been absorbed by existing staff, Nadeau said. Plans are for building administrators, the director of instruction and the human resources/business office to take on some of the administrative duties of the special-ed director.

Other staffing proposals include replacing the three-quarter time volunteer coordinator, who will retire this year, with a full-time staff member who would also develop opportunities for extended learning through internships and field experiences. Rounding out the list of proposed staff changes is a one-tenth time drama teacher at the High School; two-tenths time teacher to support instruction of students in the Gifted and Talented program; and, funding half of a new human resources position, which will be shared with the town government.

Each proposal highlighted in Nadeau's budget message supports the four goals of the strategic plan: Comprehensive instruction for all students; an inclusive and supportive school culture; student and teacher engagement; and, a budget aligned with strategic-plan goals.

Towards these ends the 2015-16 school budget proposes increases in funding, including:

• A $50,000 addition for preschool programming. "While the implementation of a preschool program was originally targeted for the FY 2017 budget, our work with Community Services, (state) Child Development Services, and the Maine Department of Education pursuant to legislative action regarding preschool has allowed us to move up that timeline," Nadeau said. Further information regarding the preschool program will be provided during the budget workshops.
• Expanding the pilot summer school program from last year's 12 to 16 days in the summer of 2016, and to include high school grades.
• Setting aside $30,000 to support innovation in the schools. "Maintaining learner engagement in the 21st Century requires flexibility, nimbleness, and a willingness to try new things," Nadeau said. "Given that budget proposals are crafted well before students enter our classrooms for the upcoming year, the ability to shift gears and still have the necessary resources available can be tricky." The funds would be allocated based on proposals submitted by staff (and students) and vetted by the School Department's Innovation Team. For example, Nadeau said, a teacher may come forward with an idea for standing desks, or for a field experience to enhance learning. "I am envisioning a variety of activities," she said during in her presentation to the board.
• Extending the schools' iPad lease program into its fourth year, with the replacement of 250 of the devices at the High School. Devices being replaced would be used in grades K-6.
• Increased support for athletic and cocurricular activities, including funding for supplies and replacing aging equipment.
• Transitioning from paid consultants, previously funded by the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation, to staff implementation of collaborative work on school climate and culture. "For example, staff members at the middle and high school are training students in the “Stand up, Speak up” program, and the Middle School has implemented a Civil Rights team," Nadeau said. No added costs are associated with the transition.
• A $12,000 line added to the High School budget to fund an onsite visit required for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation; and,
• A $20,0000 budget for redesign of the School Department website.

Staff salaries and benefits, approximately 80 percent of the 2015-16 proposal, are budgeted at $19 million, an increase of 3.9 percent. Health-insurance costs are budgeted at an 8 percent increase, and negotiations have yet to begin on support staff contracts. State general purpose aid is projected to increase nearly $500,000, primarily due to special-education costs Cape Elizabeth experienced two years ago, but Nadeau cautioned that the figure is not yet final.

"We believe this budget supports our strategic plan goals and our commitment to providing students with access to quality programs, maintaining a high-caliber staff, and preserving the district’s reputation for excellence," Nadeau's budget message says.

For more information, including links to spreadsheets, presentations and video from the Feb. 25 workshop, please see the School Department's budget page.

The next board budget workshop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3.

School Budget Workshop Schedule: (subject to change). All meetings at 6:30 p.m., High School library and learning commons [directions]

Tuesday, March 3

• Staffing & benefits
• Pond Cove, Middle & High schools
• Instructional Support (Special Education)
  

Tuesday, March 17

• Athletics
• Technology
• Staff and Student support
• Capital Improvements
• Facilities/Transportation
• Community Services.
  

Tuesday, March 24

• Contingency
• Revenue
• Undesignated fund balance
• Three-year planning
• Budget adoption

Thursday, March 27

• Additional meeting if needed