Cape Elizabeth schools request up 13 percent

Portland Press Herald, February 15, 2008

(excerpt) Released from three straight years of town spending caps, school officials have proposed a $21.3 million budget for the next year, the system's largest request ever.

The 2008-09 proposal calls for $2.5 million more than this year's budget -- a 13.3 percent increase. More than $1 million can be attributed to the addition of more than 20 full- and part- time positions. Other major expenditures involve salary and benefit increases, energy bills and maintenance.

The proposal has raised questions among some residents, who note that enrollment has been declining in Cape Elizabeth schools. Enrollment is projected to drop from 1,781 students this school year to 1,726 next year.

But Superintendent Alan Hawkins said during a budget workshop held by the School Board on Thursday night that programming cuts over the last 10 years have taken their toll on the school system.

"There are a few people who are saying the crazy superintendent wants all the money in the world," Hawkins said. "That is not the point. We are looking at what we feel is necessary to maintain the school system as it is."