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Kingfield Town Offices will be CLOSED
Thursday January 1, 2026

 

Town of Kingfield  – Public Hearing Notice  

Public Hearing Postponed from Monday October 20th to October 27th.

 The Town of Kingfield Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing Monday, October 27, 2025, 6:00 PM at Webster Hall regarding a Second Amendment to the Town of Kingfield Omnibus Municipal Development and Tax Increment Financing District Development Program, said amendment consisting of revisions to the funds allocated to approved projects, as more specifically shown in the proposed Second Amendment on file with the Town Clerk.

People wishing to make comments or ask questions are invited to attend.

Comments may be submitted in writing to Town Manager Leanna Targett, 38 School Street, Kingfield, Maine, 04947 or manager@kingfieldme.org.                                                                                                     Posted: 10/21/22

The Kingfield Comprehensive Planning Survey can be found here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KQ8DBL7

Provided by the Kingfield Cares group:

Thank you to those of you who were able to join the 30-40 people who attended the public meeting last Monday. The meeting was positive, questions were asked, and facts were clarified. Please take a moment to watch the Zoom link below if you couldn’t attend the meeting. We hope accurate information will help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways: 

  1. This is NOT a vote to withdraw. A YES vote will allow us to collect accurate information, collaborate with other communities, pursue options, and ultimately develop a plan to propose to the community sometime in 2026.  

  2. Continuing in this state-mandated withdrawal process is an effort to continue the quality education our students have always received and to have local control to make decisions for Kingfield students.  

  3. The community values Kingfield School and would like it to stay open. 

  4. There is concern that Strong and/or Phillips may withdraw. What would happen if either does is unknown. Residents want to be prepared and have options.

  5. There are NO absolutes at this stage. Claims about what will or will not happen if we do or do not vote to continue this process are premature because we don’t have enough information. It is necessary to pursue this state-mandated process in order to collect necessary information and create a potential educational plan that may or may not include withdrawal, before we can make predictions about outcomes. Information from current district budgets is the only known at this point. We know Stratton spends approximately $2,500,000 to educate its 101 K-12 students, and Kingfield spends approximately $2,800,000 to educate our 89 K-12 students.

Provided by the Kingfield Cares group:
Kingfield School Options – Public Meeting August 18th 6:00 pm Webster Hall
We want to let you know a bit more about who we are and give you more information before the public meeting. Please be thinking about questions you may have and email them to kingfieldcares@gmail.com. We will share questions and answers (if we have them!) either via our email, our FB page, or at the Public Meeting.
Who We Are: Kingfield Community Members who believe a school is the heartbeat of a community that we must keep strong. We know Kingfield students have been fortunate to always have an outstanding, vibrant education and we want to be sure this continues.
• 4 of us are current and former MSAD 58 board members
• 3 of us have a total of 6 kids at either DMMS or KES
• 3 of us are educators with nearly 90 years of combined experience in schools
• 2 of us have grandchildren who are currently, or will soon be attending KES
• 1 of us is a businessperson whose children attended MSAD 58 schools
• We have all had children who attended area schools K-12 and we care deeply about Kingfield’s children and the community
Our Mission: To explore school configuration options that reduce the tax burden while providing the vibrant, positive education Kingfield kids have always known.
Our Recommendation: Kingfield should pursue withdrawal from MSAD 58. This is not a vote to withdraw. There is so much more we need to learn and a vote to pursue would allow us to do so. This is the first step of a 22-step state-mandated process for pursuing options for our school and our community.
Why was this recommendation made?
• Kingfield is paying a disproportionately high share of the district budget. Our 89 students comprise 21% of the MSAD 58 towns’ enrollment, yet we pay 40% of the local budget share.
• Due to declining enrollment and schools with significant maintenance needs, the School Board is considering closing one or two schools, which may include Kingfield School or require busing our youngest students to other schools.
• Stratton went through this process successfully in 2013 when their taxes were increasing and the district was considering closing their elementary school. In 2025-26, Stratton will educate 103 K-12 students for $2,534,302. This is significantly less than Kingfield’s total contribution of approximately $2,800,000, including state subsidies, to the MSAD 58 2025-2026 budget. The local taxpayer contribution to Stratton’s school budget has also been stable over the past ten years.
• The committee feels confident Kingfield can achieve similarly favorable outcomes to Stratton’s, allowing us to keep Kingfield School open and pursue collaborations and configurations from our local perspective.
It is Not Just About the Money – It’s About the Kids and the Community
Saving money is always good but, more importantly, Kingfield school’s position as a stable and vibrant learning center in our town benefits the entire community. If we pursue withdrawal, we can explore options that provide:
1. Stability for our kids and our community. We would no longer risk school closure and parents would know their children could attend school in town through 8th grade.
2. Autonomy and local control. Our school would provide an education that aligns with our unique community values. A local school board, composed of Kingfield residents, would make decisions based on what is right for our learners and our community.
3. The opportunity to “think outside of the box. MSAD 58 was formed in 1968 and much has changed since then. We will now have the opportunity to reflect, celebrate successes, and build an even better version of our school system than what was designed in 1968.
4. Potential for cost savings. Notably, there is minimal district debt at this time.
5. Ability to pursue alternatives including collaboration with other towns to possibly develop and implement a community vision.
Voting “YES” to pursue withdrawal is an opportunity to reimagine and redefine what we want for our PreK – 12 students. It is a vote to authorize the select board to form a committee that would gather accurate financial data, collaborate with other towns, explore options, and return to the community with detailed recommendations.
This is NOT a vote to withdraw.
Please send an e-mail to kingfieldcares@gmail.com and ask to receive email updates.
Note: We are a volunteer committee who have never been through this process before, we have no hidden agenda, we only want what is best for Kingfield and its children. We strive to provide you with the facts necessary to make an informed decision. Please reach out to kingfieldcares@gmail.com with any questions or comments.

 

 

 

Provided by the Kingfield Cares group:
The selectboard voted to hold a Public Hearing August 18th at 6:00 pm.  The Selectbaord will host the meeting, based on information provided by our committee, with the School Options committee available to answer questions and fill in details.  The selectboard seemed to support the idea of gathering more information so we can make an informed final decision whether to withdraw.  It was clear they wanted the community to exercise their right to vote.
 
The vote to pursue withdrawal (not withdraw, just pursue) will be on September 16th. If the vote passes we will begin the process of gathering data and exploring options.
 
Please mark these dates in your calendar and spread the word!
Thank you.
Provided by the Kingfield Cares group:  07/22/2025
 
We would like to make a correction. We stated Kingfield pays 40% of the school budget. We actually pay 40% of the local share of the school budget, not of the entire budget including state subsidies. Our percentage is closer to 25% if state contributions are factored in. Including state contributions we pay about $30,000 per student. According to the DOE website Cape Elizabeth pays $20,000.
 
There have been some questions and misinformation spreading that we would like to address:
1. Some have questioned the claim that Stratton had no tax increase for 10 years. We looked into this further. The school budget and community taxes did increase during that time, but the amount the school asked from the community did not. So, there were no tax increases due to the school budget. 
 
2. At the selectboard meeting Quenten stated Kingfield could have over 3 million to run a school. He combined what we currently pay MSAD 58 with the current state subsidy and tuitioned student potential to get this amount.  He was not saying we need 3 million, just that we have potential to have that much if we wanted. Our committee is looking at running  a school for less than we currently do. 
 
3. Some of the public discussion has been that we are proposing closing the high school. This is simply not true.   We are recommending Kingfield pursue withdrawal, sending kids to MTA could still be an option.  Some of our 30 kids would certainly continue at MTA, and others may make a different choice. If Strong or Phillips withdraw, MTA’s future may be more at risk.  
 
We are trying very hard to be factual and open with all information.  Please share our efforts with others.  Encourage them to sign up for kingfieldcares@gmail.com. 
 
As we said on our FB page:  Kingfield Cares would like to see the district remain exactly as it was but the tax burden on Kingfield residents is not sustainable.  There are only 87 PreK-12 Kingfield kids in the district, 30 of whom go to the high school.  Our priority is keeping Kingfield Elementary School open for the sake of the community and the kids. Providing high school choice could include MTA and would also allow students to opt for another area school that provided more opportunities for their specific interests. Please recognize we are advocating for a vote only to pursue withdrawal. This vote will allow us to receive accurate funding data and explore options. This is not a vote to withdraw.
 
Thank you for your continued interest in this important matter!

Provided by Kingfield Cares group:

Our findings after extensive research, as presented to the selectboard, are outlined below.  

  • Kingfield educates 16% of the district students yet pays 40% of the district budget.  In the current proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year, Kingfield will be paying $26,249 per Kingfield resident pupil, while Strong will pay $9,621 per pupil and Phillips will pay $10,757

  • We  shared detailed calculations from 4 different budget estimates using cost Center analysis from MSAD 58 and Stratton that showed potential savings of $150,000 – $560,000 if Kingfield operated its own school.  None of the above figures include the money we receive from the state to educate Kingfield kids, which was $495,000 for the 2025/26 school year, or tuition received from Unorganized Territory students, both of which could increase Kingfield taxpayer savings significantly. The actual state contribution will be provided to us by the state if the town votes to support pursuing leaving the district. 

  • The school district is considering restructuring options that may include closing Kingfield School.

  • All of the district schools have significant future maintenance needs as estimated by a consultant. These stated needs (below) are not reflected in our budget estimates.

      Mt. Abram             Strong           Phillips  Kingfield

  • If a town leaves the district, it obtains the town school for a nominal cost – they do not have to purchase the building at market value cost.

  • Teacher contracts at a school that leaves a district must be honored for the duration of the contract. The current teacher contract was created for 2024-2027.

  • Kingfield School could be operated with multigrade classrooms, which would improve cost efficiency. The structure could be PK-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8.  This structure was proven successful in the past.

Our Recommendation based on our mission (To explore school configuration options that reduce the tax burden while providing the vibrant, positive education Kingfield kids have always known) and research: 

Kingfield should pursue withdrawal from MSAD 58 for the following reasons: 

  1. Tax savings: Preliminary calculations reveal potential savings of approximately $150,000 to $500,000, or more depending on state funding and tuition revenue. Please review What We Learned above. The actual changes in funding will be given to us from the state if the town votes to support pursuing leaving the district, and more precise costs of operating Kingfield School will be developed at that time.

  2. Stability: We would no longer risk school closure, and parents would have assurance that their children could attend school in town through 8th grade.

  3. Autonomy and local control: We have the opportunity to establish strong programming, as well as to enhance and energize curriculum offerings in a way that may better reflect the richness of our natural resources, our vibrant community spirit, and align with the values and priorities of the Kingfield community.  

  4. High school choice: Students would have the option for their tuition to go toward attending one of several high schools in the region, allowing them to select based on their interests, goals, and priorities.

  5. Community: Having a stable and vibrant school in our town benefits entire families as well as community members without children, due to its potential to host local events and welcome the public to school activities. 

This recommendation did not come easily. We understand the strong emotions surrounding local schools. Keeping Kingfield School open was our top priority with an emphasis on Kingfield kids.  

Necessary Next Steps:

  • Schedule a public forum where residents may learn more about the proposal and ask questions 

  • Schedule a special election in which residents vote to continue the process of exploring withdrawal from the district

  • If the motion passes, set up a formal committee, as required by the state, to pursue withdrawal.  The withdrawal process involves a very specific 22 steps, including a public hearing and final withdrawal vote. The vote needs a ⅔ majority, and the total number of votes cast must equal or exceed 50% of the total number of votes cast in the municipality for Governor at the last gubernatorial election. 

Please note a vote to pursue withdrawal is not a vote to withdraw. This vote will allow us to receive accurate funding data and pursue options with other towns.  

Quenten Clark, a former Superintendent of multiple school districts, including MSAD 58, also presented.  He supported our recommendation and provided more data, including other means of revenue that could potentially provide Kingfield more money to operate its school. 

Keep an eye out for a flyer at Kingfield Days! We will also be opening a “Kingfield Cares About Its School” Facebook page soon.  Please accept and share the invitation to join! 

 

Join the The Town of Kingfield newsletter to receive updates directly to your inbox.

 
 

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SCHOOL PETITION

The Kingfield community has long enjoyed high quality education for its children. In recent years providing for this education has come at an increased financial expense. In an effort to continue to provide a high-quality education and reduce taxpayer burden, a citizen-initiated petition asking to explore school structure alternatives is being circulated.  If you support forming a committee to search for alternatives to give our children the best education possible in a fiscally responsible manner please consider signing the petition.

The language of the petition is dictated by state law.  It reads:

We the undersigned registered voters of the Town of Kingfield, Maine, qualified to vote in town affairs, hereby petition the Kingfield Board of Selectman, to initiate the process to withdraw from RSU#58 in accordance with Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A: EDUCATION §1466. Withdrawal of a single municipality from a regional school unit.          

Signing the petition does NOT mean you support withdrawal from MSAD 58, or any other form of restructuring. Your signature simply means you support exploring options.  A public hearing and a town vote are necessary steps for withdrawal. The petition is the necessary first step in researching alternatives.

If you are a Kingfield resident and would like to learn more and/or would like to sign the petition, please reply, including your full name, to kingfieldcares@gmail.com, to be added to an email group. You will receive updates including where/how you can sign the petition, facts about the process and other relevant information. The goal is to gather as much information as possible so community members can make an informed decision.

Posted 5/6/25

MSAD 58 BUDGET INFORMATION

The MSAD 58 board voted unanimously Thursday, April 17, 2025, to present Version 3 of the FY26 Proposed Budget at the Annual District Budget Meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 7:00pm at Mt. Abram High School.

All of the Version 3 documents are posted on the MSAD 58 FY 26 Budget Development webpage. Scroll down to the April 17th meeting and you will find the complete Version 3 budget broken out by cost center, a summary sheet, and the anticipated revenue.

Please direct any questions, concerns, or comments to Superintendent Columbia at lcolumbia@msad58.org.

Cost Center Summary – FY26 Budget Board Approved 4.17.25.xlsx – Google Sheets

Revenue Sources – Board Approved 4.17.25 – Google Sheets (1)

Posted 4/22/25

 

Please find links below on the Affordable Housing Law; LD 2003 also known as the new law on ADU’s.
ADU Ordinance – MMA Legal Advise    AVCOG LD2003 Model Ordinance     LD 2003 Guidance    LD 2003 Requirements                                                                 Posted 5/7/2024

Information provided by LeeAnna Lavoie –  MaineHealth  Director for the Franklin Community Health Network – Healthy Community Coalition at the Selectboard Meeting held February 5, 2024

Here’s a link to Maine CDC Health Needs Assessment. Maine CHNA | Public Health Data | Maine CDC

Franklin County County Health Profile 4.8.2022    Franklin County MSCHNA Report 2022

Interested in serving on a committee?
We ask that you fill out a request form and return to the Town Manager.

Committee-board request

Town of Kingfield Job Opening:

Town of Kingfield

Year-Round Public Works Truck
Driver/Laborer/Assistant

The Town of Kingfield has an immediate opening
in the Public Works Department.

Benefits
will include holiday pay, paid time off, insurance and matched retirement plan.

Qualified candidates must perform semi-skilled
manual labor, lift heavy objects and work in a variety of weather conditions.
Overtime is required during storms.  Duties include operation of light and heavy
trucks and motorized equipment, road maintenance, plowing, snow/ice removal,
patching roads, brush trimming, roadside mowing, sidewalk maintenance, and
other duties as needed.  Individual must be a team player, able to
multi-task and work with the public.

A high
school diploma or equivalent GED is required. Background in winter operations,
including plowing, sanding, and equipment upkeep/maintenance is ideal. Position
requires a driver with Class B CDL.

Job
applications can be obtained from the Town Office or Town website – www.kingfieldme.org  and can be e-mailed to manager@kingfieldme.org  or
submitted to the Town Manager, Leanna Targett at 38 School Street; Kingfield,
ME  04947.

Position will
remain open until a suitable candidate is found.



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