Masks will remain on for Edgecomb Eddy students during their outdoor recesses. Superintendent Bob Kahler updated the Edgecomb School Committee about recent changes made by the Center for Disease Control regarding COVID-19 protocols. Kahler reported the CDC advised outdoor recess didn’t rise to the level of a “close contact” and there was little difference between masked and unmasked outdoor transmission rates. 

But Edgecomb’s three school committee members believed there are still too many unknowns about the omicron variant and reached a consensus to continue with the outdoor recess masking-wearing requirement during the Jan. 3 meeting. “I know this adds an extra layer to our protocols, but until we know more about the omicron variant, we should err on the side of caution,” said Committee Chairman Heather Sinclair. 

Two prekindergarten parents supported the board’s decision. They believed continuing the outdoor mask-wearing policy would protect their children who didn’t meet age eligibility vaccination requirements. Committee member Nicole Price, who has a child in the prekindergarten class. described the omicron variant as “surging” and officials should wait before making any changes. “It’s a terrifying situation, and we should wait. More information will be known in four to six weeks,” she said. 

In other action, the committee began discussing the Fiscal Year 23 budget. Sinclair is hoping the committee can vote on a final recommendation next month. One change being considered is adding another teaching position. School officials want to replace an educational technician position with either a full- or part-time teacher specializing in reading and math. Sinclair requested to review budget projections with each scenario next month.

This will be the first budget in 20 years without a school payment. The town made its final payment last fall. Kahler reported no longer making a $250,000 annual payment wouldn’t make a big difference in the budget’s bottom line. The town received $256,000 as a state education subsidy this year which is heavily influenced by the school payment. “It’s probably going to be a wash,” he said. 

Early budget proposals showed a 23% reduction in transportation costs. Kahler reported the reduction is due to no request for a new bus. 

The committee approved new policies on nepotism, workplace bullying, child find, public information program and volunteers. Kahler reported the changes were due to either recommendations by Maine School Management Association or new state legislation. The committee also tabled two proposed additions. The committee will hold a special workshop next month prior to its meeting to discuss amended language to the new conflict of interest and board relationship with staff policies proposals. Sinclair hoped to “broaden” these two policies to better fit into a small-town community. 

The committee finished its meeting in an executive session discussing personnel. No action was taken following the session. 

The committee meets next at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7 in the school cafeteria.