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.
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/
QR CODE to survey: