RSU 67

To the R.S.U. No. 67 Community:

Each year, the R.S.U. No. 67 Board of Directors and Administrators work diligently to develop and adopt a budget that balances the needs of our taxpayers, while remaining focused on the needs of our students, and the goals of the district. This year has been particularly difficult due to the economic climate we face in our community, the state, and the nation that is a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

The 2020-2021 budget represents an overall expenditure budget of $12,781, 927.  If you compare the 2020-2021 budget to the 2019-2020 budget, you will notice that this is a $531,926 increase in expenditures.  Part of the increase, $350,000, is the result of adding to our expenditures in order to apply the Special Education Reserve money earmarked for Out-of-District Residential Placement and/or Day Treatment Placement costs that was approved by the voters in June 2019.  With this adjustment, the increase in expenditures is in actuality $181,926.

To be responsive to the taxpayer, while at the same time maintaining a high quality education for all students, R.S.U. No. 67 will be applying $900,000 from our unassigned fund balance toward the 2020-2021 budget.   Further, as a result of the state funding formula, the overall budget increase from 2019-2020 that is being assessed to the taxpayer is $56,849.  Each town’s assessment is primarily based on enrollment and valuation.  Chester’s valuation and enrollment has remained fairly consistent over the years, while Lincoln and Mattawamkeag have seen a decline.  Lincoln and Mattawamkeag will see a decrease in their assessment, while Chester will see an increase.

Town assessments based on this modest budget are as follows:

Chester                 Town Assessment:  $1,078,035     Increase:  $108,936 or 11.24%

Lincoln                   Town Assessment:  $4,100,174    Decrease of $46,556 or - 1.12%

Mattawamkeag      Town Assessment:  $542,699       Decrease of $5,530 of -1.01%

The R.S.U. No. 67 educators, administrators and the Board of Directors are appreciative of the support our schools receive from the residents of the district.   As we look to the 2020-2021 school year, we will continue to focus on building student-centered learning environments that support student growth and promote postsecondary planning and aspirations – all aimed at improving the overall achievement and success of all of our students.  As your Superintendent, I believe that R.S.U. No. 67 is rich with a wonderful community of students and parents, an excellent teaching and support staff, outstanding educational leaders, and strong community support. I believe our students have a bright future and that our district will fulfill its mission of “Empowering Learners for Today and Tomorrow.”  Thank you for your continued support of R.S.U. No. 67, our students, our programs, and our staff!

Sincerely,

Jean M. Skorapa, Superintendent of Schools

R.S.U. No. 67