Emotions surfaced during the budget workshop hosted on March 6 by the Lubec school board, during which the budget proposal calling for a nearly 16% hike in the local share was discussed. Three board members were physically present; board Chair Wanda Reed was present via the Internet while Patricia McCurdy was absent. All three members of the town's budget committee were present.
      The meeting attracted a good-sized crowd, including a number of teachers, several of whom expressed concerns about the possibility of staff reductions resulting from community budget concerns. Shortly after the meeting opened AOS 77 Superintendent MaryEllen Day pointed out, "The board makes the decisions. They tell me what to do." Board member Richard Eaton then observed, "Cutting staff is the very last thing I would want to see," a sentiment repeated by Reed.
      Following the opening comments, AOS 77 Business Manager Chad Allen distributed the second draft of the proposed 2025 2026 Lubec school budget. He noted three important increases over the first draft: an additional student at Washington Academy (WA) for $16,280 tuition, increased health insurance premiums for $14,194 and an increase in projected heating costs of $10,000. The proposed amount that must be raised locally, $2,823,312, is an increase of 15.73% over the 2024 2025 fiscal year. Current elementary school enrollment is 87 students; current high school enrollment totals 39, with an expected increase next year to 45.
      It was noted that currently tuition at Machias is $10,500, $5,760 less than at WA. At the time the Lubec High School was closed, the tuition at Machias and WA were the same, and parental choice was provided as well as transportation.
      Special education needs were discussed, including required additional staff. Day pointed out that the total number of students involved is confidential and that each one is receiving educational services consistent with their individualized education program (IEP). Some require minimal additional attention, while others need one on one attention, with the mix varying and subject to unanticipated additions, resulting in a cost of $517,797 or 14.9% of the total budget. A portion of this is covered by federal funding, with an uncertain future. Special education teacher Dea Swain pointed out that her daily schedule is full, stating, "I don't have a planning period, I don't have time for lunch."
      At the close of the workshop, teacher Anna Street, serving as interim teacher leader in the absence of Principal Tina Wormell, observed, "I am very concerned about staffing." Then she added, "As a taxpayer, I feel we are holding both the elementary and high school hostage."
      This was the first of a planned three public workshops, during which residents are invited to speak. The next workshop will precede the next school board meeting, set for April 3. The budget referendum vote is expected to be held in June.

Other action
      Following the workshop, a public hearing was held on the extended day food program, as required by law. This program, partially funded by the federal government, is intended to support local initiatives to provide nutrition assistance to needy students. As it reimburses for food costs only, it is often considered expensive, as it does not cover the overtime labor costs incurred by asking existing school nutrition staff to prepare the meals. Following the hearing, which is conducted annually, the school board meeting opened. In an early agenda item the board elected to forgo participating in the program by a 4-0 vote.
      Day distributed the February revenue and expense report, pointing out that 67% of the fiscal year has passed and that approximately 54% of the expenses have been incurred. "Budget wise you are in good shape," she said. All expense groups were below the expected level except transportation, which stood at 79% of the anticipated expenditure.
      During the meeting, the second reading of a series of policies was accepted, followed by a brief budget discussion during which no action was taken. An executive session was held prior to adjournment.