If Edgecomb voters approve the recommended school budget, it will be a lower one than the previous two years. On Feb. 1, the Edgecomb School Committee voted 3-0 to recommend a $3,283,589 budget for fiscal year 22, which reflects a 0.9% decrease. Despite the proposed reduction in overall spending, local taxpayers would still see an increase. The local assessment increases from $2,569,806 in FY 21 to $2,632,378, which is a 2.4% rise. According to a school committee budget worksheet, the proposed budget would use $50,000 from surplus funds; last year, $200,000 was used. Edgecomb is receiving an 8.3% state subsidy increase. In FY 22, Edgecomb is receiving $456,211.

In other action, the committee voted 3-0 to extend an expired piece of federal legislation. On Dec. 31, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act expired. The requirement provides employees with 10 days’ paid sick leave and expanded family leave. Boothbay Education Association President Mark Gorey had earlier asked Alternative Organizational Structure 98 Superintendent Dr. Keith Laser to extend the benefit throughout all AOS schools. Laser said only a couple AOS 98 employees used the benefit last year, and no Edgecomb staff did. 

Laser updated committee members on the Consolidated School District’s (Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor) Master Plan. The CSD is reviewing plans to either construct a new elementary and high school complex or renovate. Estimated renovations cost are $14.5 million. A new consolidated complex would cost an estimated $44-$49 million, according Lavallee Brensinger Architects.