March 1 was the hundredth day of the Edgecomb Eddy school year. Principal Ira Michaud reported the day was filled exciting fun educational activities. But the 99th day was also an important date on the school calendar. Edgecomb Eddy held its annual spelling bee via Zoom conference. This year’s champion speller is fourth grader Jillian Murray who successfully spelled “brambles” in claiming the title. Hattie Tomko was the runner-up.

Michaud announced the spelling bee’s results as part of his Principal’s Report during the March 1 Edgecomb School Committee meeting.

In other action, Michaud discussed the “pros and cons” of the school’s four days in-person instruction and one day of distance learning. The principal believes the schedule gives the kindergarten through grade six school the best of both worlds. He reported a nearby school had in-person instruction five days per week until a staff member had a contact tracing with the virus. “The school had to change gears and go remote, and no one was prepared,” Michaud said. “We have 13 weeks remaining, and things are going smoothly. So I don’t see any need to switch now.”

In other action, the school committee  voted unanimously in  conditionally approving Fowlers Roofing of Gardiner to repair the school roof. Fowlers bid $143,713. Alternative Organizational Structure 98 Facilities Director Dave Benner will check the contractor’s references before officially presenting Fowlers with the project. Michaud expects the roofing repairs to begin when the school year ends and finish by Aug. 9.

The committee voted 3-0 to finalize their 2021-22 school budget recommendation. The committee is recommending a $3,283,589 budget. On Feb. 10, school officials discussed their proposal with the Edgecomb Budget Committee. “We haven’t heard back them, and if there were any questions,  I think they would’ve asked it by now,” said School Committee Chairman Tom Abello. “This budget is in solid shape, and reflects the needs of the students and school.”

In the school newsletter, Michaud provided the following information regarding the proposed budget. He reported overall spending is down 0.9% or $28,697, but the local assessment increased by 2.4%. In Fiscal Year 21, taxpayers contributed $2,589,806. If the FY 22 is approved, taxpayers would contribute $2,632,378. Salary increases for teachers and ed techs (regular and Special Ed. combined) totals $15,046 (or 1.9% rise). “These budgets were based on current employee wages plus factoring in contracted increases for teachers and a modest raise for ed techs.,” wrote Michaud.

Salary increases for others (principal, secretary, guidance, nurses, custodians, and bus drivers) totals $31,528, or13.3% more. “Most of this increase, though, is due to a forecast of bus driver wages using 2020 actuals instead of forecasting based on the prior year’s budget (as had been done in the past). This accounted for $15,440 of the increase. Another factor was that cash in lieu of health insurance to certain employees was not factored into wages in prior years – this accounts for another $10,000 of the increase. The remaining $6,088 of the increase (or 2.6%) is due to planned raises for the year,” he wrote. 

The school committee is decreasing health insurance expenditures by $49,602. Michaud reported this is a combination of projected insurance costs based on what current employees have for coverage plus an 8% increase. School officials estimated tuition costs at $1,008,635 which is a 3.6% decrease. Total tuition costs (public and private combined) are  estimated at $1,008,635, down from $1,045,989 (or 3.6% decrease). This is based on current student populations and current estimates of per-student tuition rates. Categories with budgeted increases are Transportation and Buses 21.3% or $23,820; Student and Staff Support, $11,257, 14.6%; Other Instruction $2,742; or 169.3%. Michaud explained the large Other Instruction increase as the current sixth grade has five students compared to 18 for next year. “Even though its a 169% increase, it’s only $2,742 more,” he said. 

The school’s state subsidy is increasing by $34,788 or 8.3%. Estimated tuition is increasing by $23,943 or 19.8% based on 12 Alna and Westport students. Town’s AOS 98 assessment decreased by 4% or $5,348. 

The school committee meets next at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 12.