Dear Editor: 

The Wiscasset Select Board has set the date for the Open Town Meeting on the Wiscasset School Budget for April 29. The Wiscasset School Committee, by a vote of 3 to 2, (it was not unanimous) is proposing a budget for the 2025-2026 school year of $10,896,270. An increase of $323,268 or 3.1%. 

How do we evaluate it? Is it too little or too much? Some would say it could never be too much where our children's education is concerned. Others would say that it is not the amount of money being spent but the quality of the education being provided to our students. 

Maine's Department of Education has recently released Per Pupil Spending data for the 23-24 school year. The data is available for all the schools in Maine at https://www.maine.gov/doe/dashboard. The Statewide Assessment indicates that the Per Pupil Spending was $20,139 for the 23-24 school year. 

In the Wiscasset School District during the 23-24 school year the Per Pupil Spending was $25,262. This is 25.4% greater than the average in the state and yet results in below the average performance in the state. One could conclude that increased spending has not resulted in increased performance results. 

Student enrollment is decreasing while per pupil spending is increasing. Student enrollment was last reported to be at 373. With a proposed budget of $10,896,270 that puts the per pupil spending at $29,213, nearly 50% greater than the average in the state. 

The current system fails the student who would have benefited throughout his life from a suitable education. It fails the parents who mistakenly believe their children are receiving an appropriate education. It fails the taxpayers who see their taxes increasing while the results are decreasing. Whether you have a child in the school system or not, you are paying the bill. 

We can reverse this situation by becoming involved. Attend the local School Committee meetings. Attend the upcoming Special Town Meeting on the School Budget on April 29. School Committee Elections are in June. Elections matter and your vote can make a difference. 

Edward J. Polewarczyk 

Wiscasset