With only a few days remaining in the 2015-16 fiscal year, the Edgecomb school budget is likely to finish in the black. AOS 98 Superintendent Eileen King reported during the June 6 Edgecomb School Committee meeting that nine percent of the school budget remains with only a few bills remaining.

AOS officials have kept a close eye on the $2,539,182 budget all year, fearing an unforeseen circumstance resulting in going over-budget. The Edgecomb School Committee weathered two unexpected challenges this year. The committee first rented, and eventually purchased, a replacement school bus, and second, a mysterious spike in the electric bill threatened to put the budget into the red.

But it seems the fiscal year will end with a projected $12,800 surplus.

“We’re on the right side of zero,” said Superintendent King. “There is one more payroll to go and I’m 99 percent sure once we pay for the bus rental and purchase the replacement, we will make budget.”

The committee is now focusing on generating more revenue to avoid another tight budget forecast. The committee is hoping to attract as many as 30 more tuition-paying students at its kindergarten through grade six school. Student enrollment is projected at 78 for next fall, a four-student decrease.

In May, AOS 98 conducted an education fair at Edgecomb Eddy School, showcasing the four peninsula schools hoping to attract more students. The AOS made a concerted effort to promote the education fair to communities with school choice like Alna and Westport Island.

The Edgecomb School Committee sent letters to every Alna and Westport school-age parent inviting them to the event. Edgecomb education officials want to follow up with another event. Hoping to create interest in Edgecomb Eddy School’s curriculum, the school committee wants to meet with each town’s school committee.

The May 16 education fair drew over a dozen families. Despite the small turnout, committee member Tom Abello urged the board to continue its student recruitment efforts.

“Is there anything more we can do to follow up with these towns? Either by going to a (select or school board) meeting or by making a more formal presentation,” he asked. “I just don’t want to let this go.”

Since Edgecomb Eddy School opened in 2002, enrollment has traditionally been in the low 80s. In 2009-10, the enrollment peaked at 109. School officials want more tuition students to fill a revenue void resulting from smaller state subsidies. In 2009-10, Edgecomb received $606,600 in state subsidies. But the town lost $337,251 in a three-year span due to a state-wide reduction in education spending. In 2016-17, Edgecomb is scheduled to receive a $262,789 state subsidy.

Besides attracting more tuition students, the committee wants the legislature to revamp the education funding formula. The committee wants to meet with the Commissioner of Education to discuss how the formula adversely impacts small town school systems’ like Edgecomb’s.

The committee is attempting to schedule a September meeting with State Rep. Stephanie Hawke (R-Boothbay Harbor) and the new commissioner.

In other action, the committee approved continuing contracts for two probationary teachers. Guidance counselor Haley Bezon’s contract was extended for a third year and third grade teacher Ali Butler’s contract was renewed for a second year.

Later, the committee entered into an executive session to discussion contract negotiations with the Edgecomb Educators’ Association. The contract expires on Aug. 31.

The committee will meet next at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Edgecomb Eddy School.