Consolidation could work...

But this plan doesn’tHere’s why...

1Thursday, October 16, 2008

Unfair Cost Sharing

• Freeport pays disproportionately more than other towns.

• System does not adjust as enrollments, valuations, demographics change.

• Revisit after three - five years is not sufficient

• 15% of budget today...

2Thursday, October 16, 2008

Capital Budget

• High school capacity remains an issue

• State unlikely to support expansion of high school building

• Freeport picks up two thirds of costs to accomodate other towns students

66%

21%

13%

FreeportDurhamPownal

3Thursday, October 16, 2008

Is this realistic?

$6,375

$7,750

$9,125

$10,500

2006-2007 State Per Pupil (adjusted for inflation)

$8,327

$10,087$10,058$10,057$9,979$10,089Fr

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4Thursday, October 16, 2008

Alternative Organizational Structure• Very flexible option added through LD2323

• “Creativity will be the order of the day”

• Could be configured to

• Maximize efficiencies between the towns

• Ensure fiar and equitable funding

• Allow all communities to retain local flavor and control

5Thursday, October 16, 2008

Let’s find a better solution

• Let’s use the eight months we have under the law to develop better options

• Let’s build a ground-up budget with real numbers

• Let’s listen to public input - not just hear it

• Let’s develop a partnership where both opportunities and expenses are shared

• Let’s create a solution that is fair and equitable for our children and taxpayers

6Thursday, October 16, 2008