By Rick Wright

Staff Writer

  School officials in Cape Elizabeth and South Portland struggled this week to find ways to plug budget gaps caused by recent state funding reductions for local schools.

“Engaging the Community…Setting Priorities.” That’s how the Cape Elizabeth School Board Ad Hoc Curtailment Committee billed its public workshop Tuesday. The meeting was scheduled to elicit ideas from residents to counter Maine’s revenue shortfall and its impact on Cape Elizabeth.

 “We’re looking forward to seeing how we’re going to move forward in these difficult times,” Committee Chairman Rebecca Millett told a crowd of about 90 people.

Last month, Cape Elizabeth’s state funding for local schools was reduced by $621,440 for this school year. More cuts are expected over the next two fiscal years.

The crowd at the workshop was divided into small problem-solving groups to discuss generating revenue, raising property taxes, cutting services and other issues. Ideas ranged from charging fees for using Fort Williams to delaying pay raises for teachers to declaring furlough days in the schools.

“Everyone rolled up their sleeves and brought their best to their tables. The discussions seemed constructive and collaborative, and I look forward to reviewing more closely the ideas that were generated,” Millett said.  

  In South Portland, the Board of Education took the first step Monday toward implementing a furlough day to help compensate for a $1.2 million state funding reduction. Superintendent Suzanne Godin estimated a one-day shutdown on April 26, 2010, would save $140,000 in salary, food and transportation expenses.

Board member James Gilboy said, “I think we’re in a situation that’s not going to get better.”

 “Your frustration is with the state and not the plan. We need to deal with what’s in front of us. The $1.2 million is here,” Board Chairman Rick Carter said.

Godin must first get approval from the unions representing South Portland’s teachers and other school employees before implementing the furlough day.

If the unions approve it, the district must then get approval from the Maine State Department of Education because the furlough day will reduce South Portland’s school year to 179 days, one day less than the state minimum.

  The South Portland Board unanimously approved Godin’s request to make Jan.15, 2010, a student school day and April 26 a teachers’ workshop day pending approval of the furlough day request.

“As curtailment committee chair, I am so grateful to all the citizens who took the time during this busy season to share their creative ideas with us,” said Millett. “This is a great town.”

  Rick Wright may be reached at 282-4337, ext. 237.