In June, the Edgecomb School Committee will decide how to proceed with an unexpectedly large unassigned budget fund, also known as a surplus. The school year began with $112,567 in surplus. The fund grew especially once the coronavirus hit in mid-March. As the current school year winds to an end, savings from reduced transportation costs and other unspent budgeted expenses resulted in revenues exceeding expenses. During the May 11 committee meeting held via Zoom, certified public accountant Marc Roy of Berry, Talbot and Royer, which handles Alternative Organizational Structure 98’s back office finances, reported unassigned budget fund figures could reach $350,000 by the school year’s end. This leaves the three-person school committee with a couple options. One is using a large chunk of surplus funds to reduce taxpayers’ local commitment in school funding for 2020-21. The second is taking a wait and see approach in how the economic crisis, prompted by the pandemic, impacts next year’s state education subsidy.

Originally, state education subsidy projections resulted in Edgecomb receiving $404,823 for FY 21 which is a substantial increase from the current year’s $224,632. School committee members decided to wait a few more weeks to see if any changes in school funding occur before deciding how much, if any, to use for the next budget. School officials considered using unassigned budget funds this spring for building maintenance projects like painting and new carpeting.. “We have the $404,000 until we don’t,” School Committee Chairman Tom Abello said. “Has anyone heard if Augusta is going to make any changes? Until we have more guidance, we should hold off on making any decisions.”

In other news, Edgecomb Eddy School Principal Ira Michaud reported the school wanted to proceed with a June graduation ceremony despite the coronavirus. A special ceremony is being planned by school staff for June 5. Michaud explained he would likely present students with awards, certificates and gifts in a drive-thru graduation ceremony. The unique format is to create social distancing as he would pass out student gifts and certificates to reduce possible coronavirus spreading.

“Our staff discussed whether we wanted to do something in June or bring everybody back in August. We decided we wanted a traditional Edgecomb Eddy sixth grade graduation, and do it in June,” he said. “The staff would be lined up along the circle in some fashion to cheer for them. I am going to check in with local emergency management around our draft plan, to see what their recommendations and guidelines are before we send an official invitation to sixth grade students and parents.”

The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 5, the last student day. Michaud also explained staff assignments for the next school year. Teacher assignments will remain the same except the school needs to hire a one day per week physical education teacher. This year, Michaud taught it due to a resignation as school started last fall. Next year, Michaud will teach a sixth grade literacy class. The school is also searching to replace administrative assistant Judy Reid, who served 30 years in the job. Michaud has received several applications and phone calls on the vacancy. The application deadline is May 29. 

The committee voted unanimously to renew a contract with the Community School District to provide breakfast and lunch for the 2020-21 school year. The Boothbay Harbor-based district receives $19,935 for the contracted service.

The committee meets next at 6 p.m. Monday, June 8.