To: Members of the City Council and Citizens of Caribou

The budget request by the Caribou School Department for school year 2006 - 2007 may be found on the following pages.  In addition, a page is devoted to the method of computing the tax obligation in calendar year 2006.  The final page of this budget sets forth the legally required articles, which must be enacted by the City Council.

The budget development process included staff, administrators, and the Caribou Board of Education.

This budget is the second year of funding under the state’s new Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funding model.  This year the state increased the percentage of funding for public education to the 50% level.  The additional funds provided an increase of $971,453 in state aid for education for Caribou.  The increase in state revenue was tempered by a loss in student tuition revenue of $71,236.  It is anticipated that as the state continues to ramp up state funding for education to 55% that Caribou’s funding will continue to improve.

The proposed budget of $13,856,623 reflects an increase of $931,829 or 7% over the current budget.  Significant increases in fuel and electrical costs, building maintenance/repairs, a 5% increase in health insurance and normal wage and salary commitments represent the main contributors to the budget increase.  The budget also provides for one new school bus, the replacement of a boiler at Hilltop Elementary School, paving projects, a new gymnasium floor at Caribou Middle School, and furniture upgrades. Due to the increase in state funding under EPS the budget does not include any increase in funding by the city.

In summation, the budget has been developed by all appropriate personnel, exemplifies prudent spending while maintaining a high quality of educational programming for Caribou students.  We believe that this budget has been carefully prepared, is accurate, and is in the best interest of the City of Caribou.

Respectfully submitted,

CARIBOU BOARD OF EDUCATION

Franklin R. McElwain, Supt. of Schools

2006 - 2007 Budget
Budget Articles
Summary of Receipts