Looming before us on May 19 is the vote on the largest school budget ever presented to the towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and newest member of the RSU, Arundel.

Deep cuts to the state funding formula will place the heaviest portion of the tax burden directly on the shoulders of Kennebunk residents. Both Arundel and Kennebunkport, will see a decrease in their share of the budget.

Since 1994, the school budget has risen from $13 million to an astounding $36 million!

In that same time period, the system has seen a loss of more than 400 students. With the loss of those students, there has been little reduction to staffing. Why?

According to the state’s recommendations for Essential Programs and Services, we have 14 more teachers than necessary. Why?

Currently, Sea Road School houses less than half of its capacity. Students at Sea Road School could easily be accommodated at either Kennebunk Elementary School or the middle school. With the closure of Sea Road School, we could see a reduction to the budget of approximately $500,000! Yet, the school remains open. Why?

Kennebunk town revenues have taken a dramatic nosedive. As a result, during this year’s budget discussions concerning the town’s $9 million budget, cuts were made to staffing, hours reduced in some departments and needed improvements to services and infrastructure were put on the waiting list, again.

All these steps were taken in the hopes that the economy would be better next year.

In comparison the $36.3 million RSU budget is a clear indication that the RSU has insulated itself from the economic realities of today.

Take a ride around town. Start up in the Alewive area and drive down to the beach. For sale signs are springing up everywhere like the weeds in our lawns.

Plain and simple, Kennebunk has become a community that is increasingly unaffordable in which to live. Why?

Because the insatiable school budget consumes 72 percent of your tax dollar! That’s why!

Our pensions, 401Ks, and interest on savings accounts have tanked. Home values are down 20 to 25 percent. Meanwhile, the cost of everything needed to support the investment in our homes and welfare of our families continues to rise.

Year to year we’ve listened to the never-ending drumbeat of, “it’s for the children.” You might wonder what we get for our coerced contribution? 

What we receive is SAT results that show that only 11 percent of students exceeded the standards. Results that show 36 percent failed or partially met the standards.

We’ve received the notoriety, as splashed in the local paper and all over the news last year, that Kennebunk High School had earned the distinction of being named the No. 1 “drinking school” in the state!

How can that be with all the millions and millions of dollar we’ve spent “on the children?”

Where has there been one second of consideration for the oppressive tax load that has been crushing our citizens? You’ll never see it or hear it from the school system.

What you can do is take a stand. Tell the RSU you’ve had enough! Tell them appropriate action has to be taken to reduce the budget.

You’ll have your chance to have your say, on May 19. Please take the time to vote. Have your opinion heard loud and clear.

Vote no on this year’s school budget!

Marta Badyk

Kennebunk