WATERBORO — A state-reimbursed, pre-kindergarten program for up to 16 4-year-olds at Shapleigh Memorial School, starting in the fall, has been proposed in RSU 57.

That initiative, a pilot program, was among the items discussed at a public input meeting Wednesday on the district’s proposed $38.5 million budget for the school year beginning in September. About 40 people ”“ members of the public, school committee members and district personnel ”“ turned out for the session.

The district-wide meeting on the budget is set for 7 p.m. on May 19 at Massabesic Middle School; a validation referendum vote is set for June 9.

The overall budget proposal is up $1.2 million from this year, with the local portion of the increase at about $602,000. The remainder is expected to come from a combination of sources. Although figures on the state’s subsidy are not final, current estimates show an increase of about $300,000 this year. The remainder of the increase in the proposed budget is expected to come from Medicaid reimbursements, pay-to-play and ROTC, and about $300,000 more from the district’s fund balance than was used this year.

If approved as presented, a property owner in Alfred with a home valued at $200,000 would pay an additional $32.90 in taxes next year; in Limerick, $40.54 more; in Lyman, $58.82 more; in Shapleigh, $49.78 more; and in Waterboro, $62.76 more. Newfield property owners would face the largest property tax increase ”“ $70.06 more on a home valued at $200,000. The estimate is based on a 50-50 combination of state valuation and enrollment per municipality.

One person in the audience said she didn’t like the pre-kindergarten idea, and asked if it is necessary.

Superintendent of Schools John Davis said research shows early learning, like pre-kindergarten programs, can be a benefit to children. And in response to questions, he said the cost of instruction ”“ including a teacher and supplies, plus transportation ”“ are reimbursed by the state. He said the program in Shapleigh would accommodate up to 16 children.

General fund budgeted expenditures show the cost of regular instruction up about $900,000 from the current year. Davis said that is due a combination of increases in staff salaries, benefit costs, supplies and the like. He said the district is looking to keep the number of staff at its present figure of 550, and the teacher-to-pupil ratio at 20 to 1.

District business manager Colin Walsh presented the budget. He pointed out that district-wide enrollments are slumping. Davis said enrollment has been in decline for a decade, and the district is losing about 50 students a year. Overall, enrollment was about 3,750 in 2005 and is projected to be 3,150 this fall.

Walsh said state funding has been and will continue to be a challenge for local school districts. He pointed out that while estimates show the district will receive about $300,000 more from the state this year, that is offset by increased costs, including the district being obliged to pick up more in teacher retirement costs that used to be borne by the state.

Walsh pointed out that in 2014, the state subsidy to the district was 39 percent, down from 47 percent in 2007. State law says the state must pay 55 percent of the cost of education, but that law has never been fully funded since it was implemented by referendum several years ago.

Walsh said the district will realize some savings because of decreased costs of heating oil and diesel fuel. He said Anthem has set a maximum increase of 5 percent for health insurance premiums next year, though the health insurer has not yet said how much the percentage for RSU 57 will be. Walsh said the 5 percent maximum is a bit of a break from prior years, when increases have been as much as 9 and 13 percent.

Both Walsh and Davis spoke of the need to keep school buildings in good condition and said they’re currently in good shape. They noted several improvements over the years, and a plan to re-do part of the roof of the East Building on the Massabesic High School campus in the coming year.

As to declining enrollments, Davis said unless the district is willing to close school buildings ”“ and it has recently said that it isn’t ”“ costs will continue. He pointed out that the costs to operate a building are the same, no matter how few or how many students are educated inside. Davis said he’s been talking to selectmen about how to fill classrooms, and said pre-kindergarten represents one way that can happen. He noted Headstart, which is operated by an outside agency, is located in one of the schools and said perhaps that could be expanded to others.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].