Vitelli supports bill to help West Bath schools have more flexibility around reserve funds

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic submitted testimony in favor of a bill sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, that would allow school districts to establish reserve funds dedicated to direct instruction or instructional support purposes. LD 1918, “An Act To Amend the Laws Regarding the Reserve Funds of Certain School Organizational Structures,” was the subject of a public hearing in the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

“For small school districts like West Bath with needs varying from year to year, flexibility around how to spend reserve funds will be helpful,” said Sen. Vitelli. “While there may not be capital improvement needs each year, there are certainly other needs for which a reserve fund would be helpful to have, for example year-to-year fluctuations in out-of-district tuition or special education needs.”

Sen. Vitelli heard from constituents in West Bath about this concept at recent public office hours that she and Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, hosted. At that time, Rep. Cloutier was already working on LD 1918.

The Maine Department of Education testified in support of LD 1918.

The bill faces further action in the committee, as well as votes in the Maine Senate and House.