Provided to the residents of Kingfield:
Who we are: a group of Kingfield residents who have gathered enough petition signatures to ask the select board to form a committee to look at options to best
educate our kids while minimizing the tax impact. We have started a mailing list at kingfieldcares@gmail.com. Please sign up to stay informed!
What we believe: A school is the heartbeat of a community. We must keep it strong.
Our purpose: To explore school configuration options that reduce the tax burden while providing the vibrant, positive education Kingfield kids have always known. Gathering facts and thoughtfully considering options is our focus. We care deeply about our community, understand the weight of increased school budgets on taxpayers, and are interested in exploring options.
What we are not: A group pursuing a specific plan. The results of our exploration and fact-gathering will determine what we recommend. We are not: 1. Trying to encourage withdrawing from the district, 2. Proposing closing a certain school, 3. Suggesting cutting teachers’ jobs, 4. Pursuing this project for reasons of personal or professional gain.
What we know to be true:
Kingfield has 89 students in the school district. This is 16% of the district’s 567 students.
Kingfield pays 40% of the district budget. $2,261,631 out of a total budget of $5,612,285
Kingfield’s cost per pupil is $25,411. The state average is $20,139.
The School Board and Superintendent are looking into closing a district school and other school restructuring alternatives because they understand the current
budget is unsustainable.
The school board’s responsibility focuses on all students in the district, as well it should. Our focus in this analysis is on Kingfield children and taxpayers.
Student enrollment continues to decline. MSAD 58 enrollment has decreased by 137 students since 2014 and is projected to drop another 23% in 8 years.
What we don’t know: A lot! There is much to learn, which is why we want to form a committee to look at options and their cost. We also don’t know how
Kingfield’s percentage of the district budget will change if Strong or Phillips leave the district.
Next steps:
Ask the select board to establish an informal committee to look at school configuration options in greater depth. If the committee believes they have
suggestions that could save money while still providing a quality education, we will ask the select board to then create a formal committee to make
recommendations to the town. If a formal committee is approved, the select board and the formal committee would hold a public hearing to explain potential options and seek community input.
Depending upon the results of 1 and 2 above, the select board may ask the voters to vote on pursuing a specific option.
Please add your name to a mailing list at kingfieldcares@gmail.com
As part of this email list, you will receive frequent updates. Your name and email will be kept confidential.