From the Superintendent
Next Tuesday, June 9, all registered voters in both towns will have an opportunity to vote on the district's 2026-27 budget. It should be noted that MSAD 51 is one of just a handful of districts in Maine that has been growing in student population over the last decade. The vast majority of Maine school districts have seen declining enrollment, many substantially so, over the same period of time. As a result, in 2023 voters approved construction of the new Carolyn F. Small School and addition to Mabel I. Wilson School in order to meet the needs of students. In the 2026-27 school year, the first debt service payment will come online and is included in the overall district operating budget. As a reminder, below are some of the highlights of the 2026-27 proposed budget:
- The total 2026-27 proposed budget is $56,767,888, or an increase of 5.46% over the current year's budget. With previously voter-approved One Campus project debt backed out, the 2026-27 operating budget increase is 4.22%.
- Debt service and land acquisition costs related to the One Campus project account for just under $667,000, or 1.1% of the entire proposed budget.
- $1.16 million in adjustments (mostly reductions) were made to my initial budget proposal back in early March.
- Cumberland's estimated tax effect of 5.16% and North Yarmouth's est. tax effect of 5.79% will likely drop once growth and development is factored in.
- When compared to 13 other school districts in this region, MSAD 51's expenditure increase is among the lowest, despite the fact that the district's student enrollment continues to grow.
- 2 additional classroom/content teachers at GMS 6-8 were included in this budget due to enrollment and to assist with teaming structures.
- 1 additional educational technician was included in this budget for special education services (IEP requirement).
- A part-time school counselor position at GMS 6-8 was included in this budget due to enrollment and student needs.
- A new assistant principal for grades PK-5 was included in this budget due to enrollment and the upcoming One Campus PK-8 grade configuration shift. The new AP will be reassigned to MIW (grades 2-4) in 2027-28.
- A new Pre-K Coordinator was included in this budget to assist with a new state mandate requiring local school districts to provide special services for all 3 and 4 year olds with IEPs.
This budget represents careful and thoughtful consideration and work over the last six months to balance the needs of our classrooms and programs with the reality of our community's financial obligations. The Board and administration have worked diligently to keep expenditure increases to a minimum while maintaining the highest possible percentage of expenses closest to the classroom.
For more information about the budget, check out these links:
District Budget Meeting Presentation
FY 27 Budget Summary Presentation (4.15.26)
FY 27 Budget Presentation (3.5.26)
FY 27 Budget Brochure
Regards,
Jeff Porter 
Greely Students - Southern Maine Regional Skating Team Placed 1st in Maine, and 4th in New England!
Nora Bruning, Zoe Gordon, Avanley O’Donnell, Francesca Baber.
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Notices from the Office of the Superintendent
Hard Hat Chats
Episode 4 (Steel) was just released today! Check it out: https://youtu.be/8CMRCLgJBrA?si=aOX-YQDsGsnwB9PH
In case you have missed any other episode you can find them on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv1wGCUA13xJtFDXF-x3nmndU_BWJiJpx
The Voice of Inclusion
Greely Middle School 4-5 students recently completed a special inclusion video project in partnership with The Cromwell Center, showcasing the power of kindness, acceptance, and belonging.
Over the course of more than three weeks, a dedicated group of students volunteered their lunch and recess times to rehearse, collaborate, and bring an important message of inclusion to life. Through their hard work, they not only created a meaningful video but also built new friendships, strengthened teamwork skills, and demonstrated outstanding leadership within our school community.
A special thank you goes to Jane Kilbride-Dupuis, MS-SLP and Civil Rights Team Advisor, for leading the project, and to Functional Life Skills teacher Siobhan Bogle, whose creativity and technical expertise brought the students’ vision to the screen.
The completed video premiered for participating students before being shared with families and the entire Greely Middle School 4-5 student body. The project will also be featured at The Cromwell Center’s 2026 Celebrating Inclusion Dinner & Auction on June 18, helping to further promote understanding and appreciation of inclusive communities.
We are incredibly proud of these students for using their voices to make a positive impact and for helping create a more welcoming and inclusive school for all.
Check out the short presentation given at the GMS assembly followed by the video: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zAdjc8dCzAIQMdnKYooOR647_mQQJByVWgi_KLY9ET0/edit?usp=sharing 
Good News Greely - May Edition
Check out the final issue if Good News Greely until the beginning of next school year. Don't forget to pick up your copy at both Town Offices, the Library, Food Stop and NYV! 
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MSAD #51 Board of Directors Information
All meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in the Gyger Room at Greely High School. For those of you unfamiliar with that room, the Gyger Room can be accessed from the GHS parking lot (the side without the electronic sign).
June 3- Regular Meeting
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo)
Committee meetings this week:
June 2 - Policy Committee
June 5 - Facilities Committee
Links
Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting Videos
Budget Information 2026-27
Detailed budget information can be found on the District's website at: https://www.msad51.org/
Useful Links
Greely Center for the Arts Events
If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Melissa Porter for approval. The deadline each week is Wednesday. Any requests received after Wednesday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website.
Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event.
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