RSU 16 "Additional Local" Survey

January 24, 2025

RSU 16 Community,

The Cost-Sharing Committee is seeking your valuable input as they review the RSU 16 cost-sharing formula for “Additional Local” funding. Below, you will find important details and a link to the survey to share your thoughts.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute!

The RSU 16 cost-sharing formula determines how the towns of Mechanic Falls, Minot, and Poland fund the "Additional Local" portion of the budget, which is shown as the green section on the pie chart is $4.2 million.

Screenshot 2025-01-24 at 10.16.56 AM.png

 

As part of the “Additional Local” cost-sharing review, we are seeking feedback about the current method of cost-sharing for the costs that go beyond the minimum funding required by the State. 

This survey will close on February 14.  We encourage you to share with people who reside or have a business in our three towns.


Cost-Sharing Committee

Facilitator: Suzan Beaudoin

Mechanic Falls: Danielle Loring, At-Large, Darrell Young, At-Large, Mary Martin, Appointed School Board

Minot: Angela Swenson, Appointed School Board, Colleen Quint, At-Large, Brittany Hemond, At-Large

Poland: Steve Robinson, At-Large, Lisa Albee, At-Large, Joe Parent, Appointed School Board

 

What is Additional Local?
Additional Local refers to costs that go beyond the minimum funding required by the State. It’s not tied to a specific program, position, or cost center—it's the portion of the budget that is not covered from other revenue sources.  

How was the formula created?
This formula was established in 2009 when the three towns came together to form RSU 16. A committee of nine community members (three from each town) developed the formula as part of the Reorganization Plan.

How does it work?
The formula splits the cost based on:

  • 90% town property valuation (by Maine Revenue Service)

  • 10% student enrollment 

The goal is to create an equitable system, ensuring all three towns contribute while working together to support every RSU 16 student. This means meeting the diverse and complex needs of our students—academic, social, emotional, and beyond—so they can thrive and reach their full potential. Education in RSU 16 isn’t just about instruction; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering growth, and addressing the individual challenges each student faces to ensure their success. It’s “Creating a Better Future, One Student at a Time.


What does the cost-sharing formula look like for our current year budget?

 

Enrollment

(2 yr average) 

Valuation

(3 yr average)

Cost-sharing

percent

Cost-sharing

Dollar amount

Poland

760

$878,600,00

63.43%

$2,653,597

Mechanic Falls

457.5

$211,633,33

16.98%

$710,456

Minot

393.5

$256,633,33

19.59%

$819,639


Historical review of “Additional Local” percentages:

 

2019-2020

2020-2021

2021-2022

2022-2023

2023-2024

2024-2025

Poland

64.42%

64.35%

63.87%

63.04%

62.53%

63.43%

Mechanic Falls

16.40%

16.39%

16.72%

17.07%

17.22%

16.98%

Minot

19.18%

19.25%

19.40%

19.90%

20.24%

19.59%


Link to survey: https://forms.gle/9t71DYvgMTNfmnnt8


QR CODE to survey: