Proposed School Budget

Budget Vision for Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary and Secondary Schools

1. Strengthen Local Stewardship

To bridge the gap created by a $177,901.29 drop in state subsidy, we will increase our local investment to fund the district's base operating costs.  To ensure long-term stability, we will maintain/build financial reserves to restore the facilities, respond to the unexpected, and prioritize spending that delivers direct, lasting benefits to students. By planning ahead, we protect our school from uncertainty and ensure educational quality is determined by our community's priorities. 

2. Create Safe and Functional Learning Spaces

To maintain a safe and healthy school environment, we will address critical infrastructure needs such as manganese water pipe repairs and ADA-compliant paving.  We will also preserve the long-term value and appearance of our facilities through essential upkeep, including repairing campus signage and addressing routine maintenance needs. These proactive improvements ensure our campus remains safe, accessible, efficient, and future-ready while protecting the community’s significant investment in its physical assets.

To support this work and plan responsibly for the future, the district will hire a project manager to develop a comprehensive 10-year facilities plan. This plan will evaluate current building conditions, identify long-term maintenance and capital improvement priorities, and establish a strategic schedule for addressing infrastructure needs. The project manager will also assist the district in applying for funding through the State Revolving Renovation Fund (SRRF) and other capital improvement opportunities, like Efficiency Maine initiatives.

In addition, our  project manager will help the district develop accurate construction cost estimates, manage project budgets, design projects within available funding, and implement cost controls throughout the planning, design, and construction process. This work will help ensure that facility improvements are carefully planned, financially responsible, and aligned with the district’s long-term goals.

By prioritizing these infrastructure improvements and establishing a long-term facilities strategy, the district is strengthening the safety and functionality of its learning spaces, stabilizing future maintenance needs, and protecting one of the community’s most valuable assets - its schools.

3. Protect and Enhance the Student Experience

To protect the personalized "small school" experience, we will invest in robust K-12 extracurricular and athletic programs. To ensure all students’ diverse learning needs are effectively supported, the elementary school is adding an interventionist to strengthen MTSS services and expand GT/enrichment programming.  To expand holistic learning, the high school is adding a half-time foreign language teacher/half-time social studies teacher, a half time MTSS Math teacher, and a dedicated ELO (Extended Learning Opportunities) Coordinator to support community-based partnerships.  To bridge our curriculum with local industry, we will hire a grant-funded ICLAP (Island Carpentry Learning & Apprenticeship) Coordinator to serve as the "glue" for our new K-Adult carpentry and apprenticeship program.

Overall

Ultimately, this budget represents a controlled transition toward local ownership, ensuring that the school remains the vibrant heart of the island even as state financial support diminishes.  It serves as a resilient pledge to maintain a high-quality, comprehensive education by grounding the district’s future in community values rather than unpredictable state funding formulas.  By intentionally investing in both our facilities and our educational programs, we are creating safe, sustainable learning environments that directly support student growth, opportunity, and long-term success.