School funding, special ed costs major concerns for Union 90

MILFORD — General purpose aid for schools, covering the high cost of educating students with special needs, and the perception that the state wants to do away with school unions were among the top concerns addressed Monday in an informal session between Union 90 school officials and their state legislative delegation.

All four legislators who represent Union 90 towns in Augusta attended: Rep. Richard Campbell, a Holden Republican whose district includes Bradley; Rep. Clyde Hichborn, a LaGrange Democrat representing Alton, Greenbush and Milford; Sen. John O’Dea, an Orono Democrat who is responsible for Alton and Greenbush; and Brewer Democrat Sen. Richard Ruhlin, who represents Bradley and Milford.

Top on Union 90 Superintendent A. Keith Ober’s list of suggested topics was what lawmakers expected to happen in the area of state aid for education — both in the second half of this legislative session, and by the year 2000.

None of the legislators anticipated changes next session in the education aid approved in the first half.

As far as what might occur as Maine enters the 21st century, most of the lawmakers projected slow, steady growth in education funding.

Citing the Productivity Task Force’s efforts to streamline state government, Campbell, however, offered a differing view. “I think that eventually there are going to be some program cuts — hopefully in the right programs. … I don’t think we have the monies, the surpluses, that we’ve had in past years,” he said.

“I think we need to make sure that everyone understands that this is a pro-education Legislature,” said Hichborn.

The problem, Hichborn continued, is that “the money simply isn’t there.” The state and the schools in it must make better use of the money they do receive, he said. If that is done, “I think we’re going to make out all right.”

Hichborn said he had seen much advancement since he embarked on a teaching career some 60 or so years ago. School systems then got 10 cents a day for each pupil they educated, he said.

Ruhlin said that in these tight budget times, Maine must establish its priorities. “I feel we have not yet established a high enough priority for education,” he said.

To those who feel otherwise, “My response to them is that beyond immediate threats to health and welfare, the No. 1 aim of this country has got to be preparing [students to meet the needs of the workplace of the future],” Ruhlin said.

While Ruhlin was among those who predict modest growth in education dollars, “I think we will still be underfunding education [to my standards] into the future,” he said.

Several school board members expressed concern about special education costs that are spiraling out of control, especially for compliance with the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It bans discrimination against people with disabilities in five major life areas, and is not covered by the state’s special education budget. Costs, some school officials said, can run more than $100,000.

“It’s insane to ask small communities to pick up that tab,” O’Dea said. His solution was to divide the expense. “I think that over the long haul, we’re gonna have to pick it up at the state level.”

Campell agreed the costs could be high. “I think the solutions are going to come from the local systems and the parents,” he said.