How long has The Forecaster been the public relations spokesman for the South Portland City Council and the School Board, printing one-sided propaganda? The facts that should have been reported back in June include the following: South Portland’s 2008-09 school budget is 26.7 percent more than Scarborough, at $13,054 per student compared to $10,307. In total, South Portland is spending $8.4 million more than it would spend if it cut its costs to match Scarborough ‘s per student cost. Included in this $8.4 million is $2.9 million of excess administration costs. In addition, South Portland ‘s 2008-09 budget was $7.1 million more than the State EPS standard, while Scarborough ‘s budget was $600,000 less than the EPS standard. South Portland ‘s tax rate for the 2007-08 year was 25.5 percent more than Scarborough and 13.9 percent more than Cape Elizabeth. Those are the facts, now for my opinion: The proposal by the City Council to set a 2009 school budget target based on a 3.5 percent tax increase is totally irresponsible.

 

Albert A. DiMillo Jr

South Portland

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.