01/06/09
School Board letter opposes funding curtailment, distribution formula
The Cape Elizabeth School Board has joined other school systems across the state in voicing opposition to a proposed across-the-board curtailment of state funding.
The board voted at a special meeting Dec. 16, 2008, to join other school districts who were conveying their thoughts on the funding curtailment directly to the governor and commissioner of education.
"We respectfully request that Maine's leadership revisit the blanket 10 percent cut and lessen the burden on direct public service providers such as our schools," says the letter, addressed to Gov. John Baldacci, Education Commissioner Susan Gendron and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs. The letter was mailed Jan. 5, 2009. If, however, the Legislature moves forward with the curtailment, part of the governor's supplemental budget submitted in December, the Cape Elizabeth School Board asks that the committees reconsider the curtailments based on the state's Essential Programs and Services funding formula. "That some districts see only a 2-percent cut, while others (including Cape Elizabeth) face double digit cuts, does not meet the test of 'fairness'," the letter says.
The letter is signed by all members of the Cape Elizabeth School Board.
Here is the text of the letter:
Dear Governor Baldacci, Commissioner Gendron, and Honorable Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations,
As members of The Cape Elizabeth School Board, we would like to convey our thoughts regarding the proposed funding curtailment to our education system.
On a broad level, we question the wisdom of the “across-the-board” 10% cut, which does not require the state to focus its spending on priority areas, but instead treats all budget areas equally. In difficult financial times it seems logical to aim taxpayer monies toward direct services where they have the greatest potential impact on our citizens. Furthermore, when our economy is struggling on such a broad level, it seems illogical and even dangerous to reduce our societal investment in educating our children – one of the largest drivers of national economic success. We respectfully request that Maine’s leadership revisit the blanket 10% cut and lessen the burden on direct public service providers such as our schools.
However, if you choose to pursue cuts to educational funding, we ask that you reconsider the recommended approach that has been suggested for allocating the curtailment. This methodology based on the EPS formula unduly penalizes a handful of districts. That some districts see only a 2% cut, while others (including Cape Elizabeth) face double digit cuts, does not meet the test of “fairness”. The Governor stated that there would be a 10% cut in general fund dollars and the allocation of cuts to districts should reflect that goal. All districts are equally ill-equipped to handle a cut in promised state funding mid-year in its budget cycle.
We appreciate your hard work in leading our state and ask that you please consider our position as you move forward in this very challenging period for our state and our nation. We respectfully ask that you give this process the time necessary to reach a sound and fair policy — particularly as the future strength of our education system, and thus the future of our youngest citizens is involved.
Respectfully,
The Cape Elizabeth School Board
Patricia Brigham Kathy Ray
Karen Burke Mary Townsend
Peter Cotter Linda Winker
Rebecca Millett
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