A vote on the much-debated issue of whether Regional School Unit 21 should buy out the remaining contract with Thornton Academy Middle School is fast approaching.
A lot of information and opinions regarding this issue have been debated at length in meetings, public information sessions and on this very page.
As the vote approaches, we would encourage residents of Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport to get the accurate information and get out and vote.
The issue will be before voters in a two-part budget validation process starting with a Town Meeting-style vote on May 10, followed by a ballot validation vote on May 24.
If voters do not approve the buyout on May 10, it will not be on the ballot on May 24. In addition to the buyout, voters will also consider the school budget for next school year and a change to the district cost-sharing formula.
According to the numbers – and indications from about 30 percent of Arundel parents in a district-wide survey – buying out the contract makes sense.
The district has about $1.2 million in its fund balance that is undesignated due to years of accrual. The district has to budget enough each year to cover the costs of special education, salaries, health care and energy ”“ all of which can change ”“ and because all of that money is not spent every year, there are funds left over.
RSU 21 officials say this one-time buyout ”“ at $1.18 million – will allow students from Arundel who currently go to TAMS the opportunity to go to the Middle School of the Kennebunks instead.
If the buyout were approved, eight students from each grade level of the 139 who attend TAMS would have to elect to attend MSK in order for the district to “break even.”
RSU officials say the district would see a savings, because up to 20 students could come from each grade level without additional staffing costs at MSK.
Officials say the interest is there as well. According to a survey of Arundel parents with children in grades K-5 in 2009, about 30 percent said they would prefer their children attend MSK.
What the issue comes back to, though, is the money. Based on the figures and projected numbers of students who would attend MSK, the district would see a savings, which translates to a savings for taxpayers. The district estimates that savings is about $7,361 per middle school student and $8,798 per high school student who attend district schools, as opposed to those students attending TAMS or TA.
Whatever voters decide, we hope they will make the effort to participate during the budget validation process.
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Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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