Cumberland committee backs review of school funding after superintendent flags lowest per‑pupil spending

Cumberland — The Cumberland School Committee on April 9 authorized the chair and Superintendent Dr. Thornton to sign a letter asking the governor to review the Blue Ribbon Commission’s funding recommendations after the superintendent presented state PPE (per‑pupil expenditure) data showing Cumberland near the bottom of the list.

Dr. Thornton told the committee that the packet included a five‑year PPE sheet showing Cumberland’s PPE at 16,887 per student and that the handout listed the state average as "$23,000.23580," leaving what he described as a gap of 6,693 per child. “We’re last, and we’re losing ground,” Dr. Thornton said, urging the committee to consider that shortfall during upcoming budget discussions.

Committee members discussed possible impacts if the foundation’s funding formula were partially implemented. Dr. Thornton said one model in the materials would amount to roughly $23 million in additional funding for Cumberland under that approach, though he cautioned the state may not be able to immediately fund the full proposal. Finance staff and members exchanged examples about how a smaller infusion (Dr. Thornton cited a 10% scenario, roughly $2.3 million) would change Cumberland’s PPE but not close the entire gap.

Miss Smith asked whether the PPE figures are shared with the town council; Dr. Thornton said they are shared with town leaders and encouraged residents to raise these numbers with their representatives. Miss McGrath (staff) and other members described the report’s mechanics — tax capacity and state share calculations — and noted that some towns would see increases while others might lose aid depending on the formula.

After discussion, the committee voted to allow the chair and superintendent to sign the proposed letter supporting the Blue Ribbon Commission work. The motion passed with six votes in favor and one abstention (Miss Smith).

Why this matters: Committee members said the PPE data frames local budget conversations and could influence how Cumberland seeks state assistance or responds to formula changes. The endorsed letter aims to prompt state consideration of the foundation’s recommendations rather than commit the town to any specific funding change.

Next steps: The committee authorized signatures to submit the letter asking the governor to take a close look at the foundation’s recommendations.