Staff pay, benefits and a building paint job are among the factors in a proposed 5.68% increase for the Edgecomb school budget. Principal Ira Michaud presented his first draft during the school committee’s Jan. 6 meeting.The draft is $3,179,517.35, an $180,581 increase.

On Jan. 7, Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Dr. Keith Laser indicated the budget may change prior to the April 1 submission to the Edgecomb budget committee. Painting the school building’s north side is one item which may be eliminated. On Monday, Laser reported the building’s south side entrance was painted this year for $10,000. “The building hasn’t been touched for almost 20 years. We painted the front this year which cost $10,000, but I’m not sure if this item will survive,” he said.

In other action, Laser reported the new security system for AOS schools is being installed. Southport Central School had its new badge reading device installed Jan. 5. The installation was set to continues Jan. 6 as the system was being installed at the Communtiy School District schools in Boothbay Harbor. “We’re working our way down to Edgecomb and that should be done either end of this week or probably next week,” he said. 

The school committee also received an e-RATE federal grant. Earlier in the year, Michaud bought $9,000 worth of technology equipment for the school. The program provides discounts helping schools and libraries get affordable telecommunications and internet access. Michaud applied for a grant and the school recently received a $6,000 check. The committee meets next at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb.3 at Edgecomb Eddy School.