The district budget for the 2013-14 school year has reached the final two steps: (1) The District Budget Meeting and (2) Budget Validation Referendum. We believe it is important for town residents to be informed and participate in these final steps of adopting a budget from M.S.A.D. No. 75. That process began back in November and has involved numerous meetings and public forums gathering input from the public.

 

At the District Budget Meeting, to be held on Thursday, May 23, 2013, the 11 budget articles will be presented to those in attendance. This includes detailed language about an educational funding that exceeds the State’s Essential Programs and Services (EPS) model. At this meeting voters have the opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and vote on each one, including the local contribution to fund schools. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Orion Performing Arts Center at Mt. Ararat Middle School.

 

The total budget approved at the District Budget Meeting is then presented to the voters to approve or reject by ballot. This second step, the Budget Validation Referendum,will be held at local polling places in your town on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. If the budget is approved, the process is then complete. If it is not approved, the District must hold another budget meeting at least ten days after the referendum. This cycle continues until a budget is validated by the voters.

 

This has been a challenging budget to develop. The Finance Committee, under the leadership of Scott McKernan, has solicited and received feedback throughout the process. I encourage you to read the District Budget Report. It is available online by clicking here. 

 

Please take the time to be informed, and participate in these final two steps of the budget process. If you have questions, feel free to contact my office at 729-9961.

 

 

Sincerely,

Bradley V. Smith

Superintendent of Schools