While the arrangement with RSU 12 to provide the business office services satisfied an immediate need for the new Wiscasset School Department, interim Superintendent Lyford Beverage told the Wiscasset School Board Sept. 24, the distance between Wiscasset and Somerville is not working out.
“Its cumbersome and difficult to access records that are 30 miles away,” Beverage told the board.
Sometimes Beverage said he has to travel to Somerville to get records that are needed in Wiscasset.
As the board begins creating a budget for next year, Beverage recommended board members consider setting up a business office with its own finance manager.
“It will not be a cheap installation,” Beverage said.
The board will need to consider a location, personnel and technology, he said.
The Wiscasset School Department is currently in a one-year contract with RSU 12 who provides Wiscasset’s payroll and accounts payable services. Wiscasset is paying $100,000 for the service, which is about $50,000 less than the cost of having a Wiscasset business office, as estimated by former interim Superindent Wayne Dorr.
Noting technological capabilities, School Board member Glen Craig said data needed in Wiscasset should be able to be transmitted electronically in a reasonable amount of time.
“The least expensive way is the best,” Craig said. “The data will get here eventually.”
Beverage said the board may still wish to consider contracting out payroll, but strongly suggested issues with insurances, leave time, stipends, and substitutes be handled locally.
Wiscasset High School sports
At the request of Wiscasset High School Athletic Director Sarah Ricker, the school board gave approval for the return of high school wrestling, cheering and the formation of a volleyball club. Ricker said the approval of the sports additions does not create any increase in the school’s atheletic budget. Ricker expects the boosters to provide the needed cheerleading uniforms.
“More stuff at the high school is good news,” said Board Chairman Steve Smith.
The board also accepted a revised Wiscasset High School athletic handbook, with a revision to policy which currently allows ineligible athletes to travel to away games with their team.
Board members agreed a student not eligible to participate should not travel with the team and suggested that part of the policy be removed.
