School Budget Workshop Session Recap

The Skillin PTA is closely following the school budget process this year and will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.

This is a challenging budget year for the South Portland School Department, which must reduce next years budget by $7 million. Cuts are being considered across all school levels, with elementary schools expected to see the greatest impact. Current proposals include grade reconfiguration and the possible closure of an elementary school building beginning next school year.

The first of four Budget Workshops took place last Monday. Key points from that meeting include:

• Nine scenarios and associated costs were presented. Every scenario included a proposal to close at least one elementary school and reconfigure the grades that attend each school

• The closure of Skillin was included in two of the Superintendent’s three recommended scenarios for further analysis.

• At this time, a majority of School Board members indicated they are not interested in pursuing the option of closing Skillin.

We encourage Skillin families to stay informed as these discussions continue and to get involved if they wish. Families can attend upcoming budget workshops, provide public comments, or reach out directly to School Board members with questions or feedback.

The next School Board meeting is Monday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Redbank Community Center. A high-level overview of the budget will be presented. The public may attend in person or watch the meeting live on SPC-TV.