GUILFORD – A declining enrollment combined with an anticipated loss in state subsidy has prompted SAD 4 directors to begin a comprehensive study of the district and its options.

Downsizing, significant increases in local assessments, consolidation of services, restructuring of academic programs and revising fiscal policies are all topics that will be considered to counteract the loss in enrollment and subsidy.

It has been projected that the district’s enrollment will face a continuous decline from the current 867 students this year to 689 in the 2006-07 school year.

The projected decline during that period is as follows: 220 to 180 at the elementary level; 270 to 192 at Piscataquis Community Middle School, and 329 to 272 at Piscataquis Community High School.

Directors were briefly updated this week on the progress toward this long-range planning by Phyllis Watson, chairwoman of the transportation, building and grounds committee. Watson said the committee will seek public comment in the process.

“The options are what we’re after,” said William Hume, SAD 4 board chairman after the meeting. “Geographically, we are doing about all we can.”

Hume said the ATM system may solve some problems in the district. The ATM program, an audio-video system using fiber optics for classroom instruction, allows two-way interaction with students and instructors from one school to another. Hume said it may be possible for two or three surrounding districts to offer different language courses over the ATM system.

SAD 4 is already working cooperatively with SAD 46 (Dexter, Ripley, Garland and Exeter) to find ways to share services. One such venture is a shared football team. PCHS students participate on the Dexter Regional High School football squad.

Adjusting to the proposed trends, said Hume, may be accomplished through common curriculums, schedules and calendars.

Hume said the state Department of Education must also do its part to help small rural schools suffering from declining enrollment.

Schools facing declining enrollments face subsequent losses in state subsidy, yet state officials are urging districts to modernize technologically, he said.

The board chairman said the state must be more flexible in its subsidy formula. He said if the current per pupil formula continues, districts such as SAD 4 will have major problems. Programs such as the ATM are major expenses, he said.

The committee is expected to meet at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29 to further discuss strategies for the district.