Edgecomb is taking a page out of Georgetown Central School’s lesson plan. On Jan. 9, Edgecomb school officials announced a pilot project to introduce a before- and after-school program. The pilot program would be for two weeks and is based on one established in Georgetown last year. 

“It’s been wildly successful in Georgetown,” Alternative Organizational Structure 98 Superintendent Bob Kahler said during the monthly meeting. Program organizers would seek donations to run it and Kahler emphasized no student would be denied participation based on cost. He reported the Georgetown program receives funding from Georgetown Island Association.

Details on when the program begins are not known, according to Kahler. 

In other action, high inflation rates will likely negatively impact the Fiscal Year 24 school budget. Kahler reported an initial draft shows a 13.5% spending increase with a corresponding 11.9% increase to the municipal assessment. 

“It’s still very preliminary. We will have a clearer look once we know what our state subsidy looks like,” Kahler said. “But the cost of everything is so expensive. That’s what is driving education costs up.” Last year, Edgecomb received about $411,000 in state subsidy. Kahler expects to receive a similar amount for FY 24. 

A board relationship with staff policy received approval upon its first reading. The committee has worked on and off for about six months on an updated version. Kahler explained most policy language comes from Maine School Board Association. The committee is refining language for clarity. “The policy reads now as if there is no communication between staff and the board. That isn’t accurate and the committee is working on better wording,” he said. 

A second reading and possible adoption would occur next month. Seven policies received approval after a second reading. Policies regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity, student discrimination and harassment, school attorney and legal services, remote participation and board meetings, postponement of meetings, policy adoption and amendment, and recruiting and hiring administrative staff received approval. Two policies were tabled after a second reading. Harassment of employees and workplace bullying were tabled. Kahler reported the committee wanted more teacher association input regarding any changes. 

The committee meets next at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 in the school cafeteria.