NEWPORT – Desperate times call for creative solutions, said SAD 48 Superintendent William Braun on Wednesday, and faced with an $800,000 budget shortfall, Braun has proposed closing school for two five-day blocks.

The proposed furloughs would take place between the fall and winter sports season and the winter and spring sports season. Braun said that by “closing and locking down” all of the district’s schools but one, the district could save about $100,000.

He has requested the 10-day waiver from mandatory attendance from the Maine Commissioner of Education. “The commissioner has the right to set aside 10 days a year for emergency reasons,” said Braun.

“I think an $800,000 shortfall is an emergency.”

Braun admitted that no other district has made this request and that usually the commissioner sets aside days for weather-related reasons, such as statewide ice storms or blizzards. “But this just made sense to us,” Braun said.

Braun said that during the two five-day breaks, all teachers would still report to work since they are under contract. They would gather for workshops both for staff and students in one of the district’s seven schools. This time could be used for staff development and for working intensively with students who are at-risk or in need of counseling or tutoring.

No buses would run; no maintenance staff would be on duty; no cafeterias open; and no support staff would be working.

“We would shut down completely,” he said, “except for the single school.”

The superintendent said finding a way to cut the remaining $700,000 from the budget is next to impossible. “We don’t even have clear numbers from Augusta yet,” he said.

“The only thing I know for sure is that I have two teachers retiring that I know about and they will not be replaced,” he said.

“I have a list [of proposed cuts] but I don’t want to put it on the table yet,” said Braun. He did admit, however, that “there will be extreme changes in this district. We know it isn’t going to be a year of program growth.”

The superintendent said that all changes being considered will “directly impact children’s education.”

The SAD 48 Budget Committee’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. tonight, during which equipment and repairs will be discussed as well as possible programs that would be eliminated. The meeting will be held at the central office on Route 7.