RANGELEY — The Rangeley Plantation Board of Education recently released the minutes to its May 19 meeting at Rangeley Lakes Regional School.

The board members present were Beth Smith, Michelle Elliot and Steve Dudley (by phone). Others present included Brian Foster, Superintendent, and two community residents.

Following the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes to the previous meeting was accepted in a 3- 0 vote.

The board elected Beth Smith (2-1) School Board Chairperson; she chaired the remainder of the meeting.

Superintendent Foster reviewed the Rangeley Plantation budget with the board, which discussed the increase in the tuition for students attending RLRS. Foster explained that the increase in tuition was due to additional enrolled students and that the calculation of tuition is based on actual costs. Tuition includes all areas of the RSU budget except for the transportation that was removed from the RSU budget.

The other increase in the budget comes from the board needing to hire its own superintendent as the result of the plantation’s decision not to join the RSU. This cost was based on an average per diem rate at approximately two to three days monthly. The other additional costs are for a special education student and subsequent transportation.

Elliot raised concern about the amount of the tuition. She reviewed her information from the Department of Education regarding elementary and secondary state tuition rates.

The board engaged in a lengthy discussion about the increase in the budget. It was felt that the budget as presented could not be supported at this time. The board requested further discussions with the RSU board regarding the tuition rate. Smith indicated that the board will investigate tuition costs for students to attend neighboring districts.

The budget was tabled and agreed to meet again when more information was available.

The board discussed the plan for securing the services of an Interim Superintendent effective July 1. Members have talked to a couple of possibilities and are waiting to hear back from one. It was determined that an Interim Superintendent would meet the needs of the district for one year. This person would be expected to complete all required paperwork for the district. The board also discussed all options for providing this service as of July 1.

Action on the Superintendent was tabled at this time.