Stonington selectmen review school budget; superintendent of neighboring district misses scheduled update

Selectmen continued work on the district budget and pressed for better communication from regional school leadership.

At the May 18 meeting Supt. Hurvitt presented a preliminary regional school budget of approximately $6.5 million, explaining the use of carryover funds, maintenance allocations and position consolidations to hold the line amid inflation. He confirmed a public hearing scheduled for May 31 and a district vote set for June 14.

Separately, on Dec. 19 selectmen noted Superintendent Dan Ross did not attend a scheduled update and had not reached out to reschedule. TM Billings said Ross had been meeting with Deer Isle officials about their budget crisis and that the town had not received expected communication. Selectmen questioned the lack of outreach and whether the school board had been properly notified.

Selectmen asked TM Billings to follow up and asked the school district to provide finalized budgets and hearing materials to the town in advance of the hearings and vote.

Next steps: Supt. Hurvitt to finalize the budget for the May hearing and ensure copies are provided to the town; TM Billings to follow up with Superintendent Ross for a rescheduled briefing if necessary.