Biddeford Adult Education’s First Teachers Family Literacy Program has been selected as one of only three programs in the entire nation to receive a $10,000 grant through the newly launched Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy, an initiative of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation aimed at addressing America’s growing literacy crisis.
Biddeford Adult Education’s Family Literacy Coordinator Julie Berube promoting Family Literacy Month.
The fund’s launch was formally announced on November 5, 2025, during a reception at Texas A&M University’s Bush School for Government & Public Service in Washington, D.C. At the event, George & Barbara Bush Foundation CEO Alice Gonzalez Yates highlighted the urgent literacy challenges facing U.S. families—and the critical national role of family literacy programs like Biddeford’s.
Biddeford Adult Education’s First Teachers Family Literacy Program rose to national attention following an in-depth review by Pamela Cote, Senior Director of Literacy Programs and Partnerships for the George & Barbara Bush Foundation. Over the past year, Cote examined the program’s family learning events, parent–child literacy activities, and photos illustrating the authentic ways Biddeford families learn together.
“This recognition means so much because it affirms the heart of our work,” said David Durkee, Adult Education Director. “Julie Berube, our Family Literacy Coordinator, pours so much into creating supportive, joyful learning experiences for families. To be identified as one of the most impactful programs in the country is incredibly uplifting and motivates us to expand this work even further.”
When we invest in family literacy, we strengthen our students’ foundation for lifelong learning.
–Supt. Jeremy Ray
National data underscores the need: more than half of U.S. adults read at or below a sixth-grade level, and 69% of fourth graders lack proficiency in literacy—challenges linked to multigenerational poverty, academic struggles, and workforce-readiness barriers.
The $10,000 grant will enable Biddeford Adult Education to expand parent–child literacy events, increase early childhood reading activities, offer more parent education workshops, and strengthen partnerships that promote literacy from early childhood onward. These funds will broaden both the reach and depth of programming, ensuring more Biddeford families have access to tools, resources, and support that help build strong literacy foundations.
Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray praised the program’s national recognition, noting its direct impact on students and families: “This award shines a light on the powerful work happening right here in Biddeford. When we invest in family literacy, we strengthen our students’ foundation for lifelong learning. I’m incredibly proud of our Adult Education team for creating spaces where parents and children learn, grow, and succeed together.”
The new Fund represents the next chapter in a decades-long national commitment to literacy. Since 1989, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has invested more than $130 million in literacy programming across all 50 states. The establishment of the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy transitions the Foundation’s historic program operations into a national grantmaking model designed to amplify high-impact local programs.
In announcing the first three recipients, the Foundation recognized Biddeford alongside Briya Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. and Achieve Plant City in Florida—placing Biddeford Adult Education in extraordinary company as part of the inaugural national cohort. As the Fund moves forward, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation will work closely with national literacy experts to shape the full grantmaking process, with the next round of grants expected in 2026.
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Karen Garnett is the communications director for the Biddeford School System. She can be contacted at kgarnett@biddefordschools.meN
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Beginning today (Oct. 29) students across the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton school districts are joining forces to help fight hunger in their own backyards through a new initiative called “Spare Change Fills Plates.” The campaign comes at a critical time, as SNAP benefits end for many local families, impacting children who already face food insecurity.
“In our three communities, one in two students is economically disadvantaged,” said Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray. “No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and while all students receive free breakfast and lunch at school, that support doesn’t cover dinners, snacks, or weekends. We’re proud of our students for taking action to help their peers and for showing that even the smallest acts—like donating spare change—can have a big impact.”
Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray with students Cordelia Kane of Biddeford High School, Kennedy Ray of Saco Middle School, and Camden Belanger of Dayton Consolidated School. (Contributed photo)
Led by students from each district, Spare Change Fills Plates encourages everyone to take part.
Donation containers and food collection boxes will be placed at each school to collect spare change and non-perishable food items. Local businesses are encouraged to participate by hosting a coin jar and/or a non-perishable food box to help extend the campaign’s reach.
“No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from”
Every dollar and donated food item will support the local backpack programs and the community, ensuring that students and their families have meals beyond the school day.
Suggested food donations include pasta, sauce, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), Tuna/Hamburger Helper, rice, beans, canned soup, vegetables, and fruit, pop-top canned goods (Chef Boyardee, etc.), oatmeal, pancake mix, instant potatoes, cereal, kid-friendly snacks such as granola/protein bars, microwave popcorn, peanut/sun butter and jelly, and crackers.
“Together, we can fill plates, lift spirits, and show the true power of community,” said Ray.
Ten candidates are hoping to win one of seven at-large seats on the Biddeford School Committee.
This year’s race will feature some new faces, and a few current members – including Randy Forcier, John McCurry and Lisa Vadnais — will not be seeking reelection.
We asked each of the candidates what they consider as the biggest challenges facing Biddeford’s School System and their top priorities.
Jessica A. Cinquegrano:
Jessica Cinquegrano, 37, is a political newcomer and a “stay-at-home mom” of two young children.
She has been a Biddeford resident since 2019.
Cinquegrano says many of the challenges facing the city’s schools can be traced back to “a lack of adequate funding.”
Jessica Cinquegrano
If elected, she said her three main priorities will include focusing on the wellbeing and safety of our students “so that every child feels supported and able to thrive both academically and emotionally.”
She also wants to make sure that educators have the tools, resources and support they need “to provide every student with a high-quality, forward-looking, and equitable education.”
Cinquegrano also said she wants to maintain responsible stewardship of our budget—”ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely to support students, teachers and long-term sustainability while working through some of the roadblocks we’ve faced to secure more state funding.”
“As a parent of school-aged kids, I’m deeply invested in ensuring they—and all their peers—receive the best education possible,” Cinquegrano said. “In today’s climate, I believe it’s vital to support scientifically backed curriculum and to uphold our schools as safe, inclusive spaces for every student.
“Although I’m not originally from Maine, I’ve fallen in love with this small and vibrant city,” she said. “I want to make sure every marginalized voice is heard, because our diversity is one of Biddeford’s greatest strengths.”
Amy Clearwater:
Amy Clearwater, 41, is a former Biddeford city councilor. A Maine native, she moved to Biddeford in 2017. She is married with two kids.
Clearwater serves on several community service boards, including the My Place Teen Center; the Biddeford Housing Authority and the MacArthur Library.
Amy Clearwater
She is the Senior Vice President of Investor Services at what she describes as “a large global bank.”
Clearwater says her top priority is ensuring that today’s students will thrive as adults tomorrow.
“This is a wild time for education in America,” Clearwater said. “We’ve weathered a pandemic and experienced some significant local demographic shifts. Kids growing up today are having a markedly different experience than I had in public school a generation ago. Social media, information literacy, AI tools — there’s a good deal of uncharted territory for them.”
Clearwater says she has “an open mind, a strong understanding of municipal governance, and a stakeholder-focused approach to managing a very complex system.”
“I’m running for School Committee because, at this time of short-sighted and cruel federal attacks on education and social service funding, I feel obligated to do all I can in Biddeford to support our schools and provide my skills and abilities in service of good outcomes for all of Biddeford’s kids.” Clearwater said.
Meagan Desjardins:
Meagan Desjardins, 46, is a current school committee member and is hoping for a third two-year term.
Desjardins is a social worker at Massabesic High School.
Meagan Desjardins
“My focus as a school committee member and curriculum committee member has been to support aligning our K-12 curriculum so that our students have a quality and effective curriculum,” she said. “Student scores are low, so supporting academic standards is a priority of mine. Improving student readiness for college and the workforce is a priority.
Desjardins said state funding issues represent one of her biggest concerns. “The formula to decide state subsidy is flawed, and our community is at a disadvantage,” she said.
“Less money coming into the school means less money for the services our students need,” she said. “We have ELL (English Language Learner) students, homeless students and truancy issues to name a few of our challenges.
“Fewer dollars per child means less of an investment in support the complex needs within our district.”
Desjardins said school staff are spread thin, impacting all students in the school district. Advocating for fixing the state funding formula is crucial,” she said. “It is also crucial to make sure we are putting the most efficient services possible in place for all of our students.”
When asked why she is seeking another term on the school committee, she said serves as a way to “give back” to her community.
“Given my experience in a public school, I believe I have the insight and passion for public education that can be helpful to our district,” Desjardins said. “I believe it takes time to understand the ins and outs of being a school committee member, and with this being my third term, I think I offer experience that can help our district move forward towards the goals we have been setting over the last several years.”
Desjardins said the word “transparency” has been a buzzword throughout this election cycle. “We have been talking about the need for transparency from the school committee throughout the last four years. I believe creating more transparency about our schools, policies and curriculum is vital to getting the community support and creating accountability.”
Stephanie C. Edwards, PhD:
Stephanie Edwards, 40, is involved in several community groups and says she is seeking a seat on the school committee because she was raised by an elementary school teacher and teachers’ union leader.
“I am a proud product of public-school education,” she said.
Dr. Stephanie Edwards
Edwards moved to Biddeford in 2016. She has served on the Downtown Development Commission, as co-chair of the Comprehensive Plan Public Engagement Process; and as a volunteer at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.
Edwards is a professor at Boston College and executive director at the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium.
Edwards said she is running for school committee “to help create the best educational environment possible for our students.”
“As a committee member, my primary role will be to offer responsive, transparent, community-led oversight to meet the challenges, and highlight the strengths of our schools,” she said.
Edwards listed her top three priorities as: Maximizing budget efficiency; providing a supportive administration that responds to the needs of teachers, staff, students, and parent/guardians; and implementing policies to support the overall well-being of everyone in the school system.
“As Biddeford grows and changes, we must invest more into our school system to provide the tools necessary to equip our youth for the people they are and are becoming,” she said. “I believe schools must be our number one priority and it is the role of the School Committee to help realize these goals.”
“I was raised by an elementary school teacher and teachers’ union leader, and I am a proud product of public-school education,” Edwards said. “Ensuring quality public education is a mutual responsibility, and one I am excited to engage in as a committee member.”
Emily Henley
Emily Henley, 34, has a master’s degree in education and was a classroom teacher in Westbrook schools for five years. Henley moved to Biddeford in 2019.
Today, Henley works as a Curriculum Coordinator for 240 Tutoring, Inc.
Emily Henley
“Students are struggling in the wake of the pandemic,” Henley said. “Teachers are working hard to meet their needs and need support in the form of effective policies and curriculum, continuing education opportunities and strategically selected resources.”
Henley said the strength of Biddeford schools is directly related to the strength of our future community.
“Biddeford is a special place,” she said. “And we want to ensure our students have a strong education and access to post-secondary education opportunities so they can lead this community into the future.”
Henley said Biddeford’s school curriculum needs to reflect the most recent evidence-backed practices and methods and be the most cost-effective to allow resources to stretch and reach every student.
“Biddeford is blossoming into a beautiful, welcoming, and diverse Maine city,” Henley said. “We need to make sure our schools support all students and help all families feel at home in this beautiful place. The school committee can support this goal by encouraging community involvement in school events, supporting cultural diversity in our classroom resources and programming, and ensuring that schools are empowered and resourced to support struggling families.”
Henley says her background and her expertise will make her a valuable voice for student advocacy on the school committee.
“My experience as a teacher and current position as a curriculum coordinator for a national company have given me unique insight into education policy and opportunities for growth in Biddeford schools,” she said. “I see untapped opportunities for collaboration.
“I hope to collaborate with teachers, student leaders, administrators, community members, and fellow school committee members to help find creative solutions to the complex problems to improve outcomes for our students, families and schools.”
Michele Landry:
Michele Landry, 53, has lived in Biddeford for 28 years. She has served two terms on the school committee since 2021.
Landry has also served as a member of the Biddeford Education Foundation Board member for seven years; and on the advisory board for BLAST (Biddeford Learns After School Together) since 2022.
Michele Landry
Landry says a lack of affordable housing continues to present multiple challenges for the city’s schools because it is difficult to attract and retain talented teachers and other faculty members because they can’t afford to live in Biddeford.
She also said the school system is seeing an increase in the number of students experiencing homelessness and dealing with food insecurity.
Landry also said “inequities in the current state funding formula” are creating financial strains on the city’s public schools.
“The [funding] formula is based in part on city valuations, and as Biddeford’s valuations continue to rise, state funding for schools has decreased,” she said. “We receive less state money than many affluent communities whose valuations have remained more constant over the last few years.”
“Until the state addresses these inequities, we need to find creative ways to do more with less for both our teachers and students,” she added.
Landry said she is running for reelection because she wants to serve her community and give back to the district where her children received their education.
“Our schools face multiple challenges,” she said. “And I want to help find solutions despite the financial constraints, that will aid our teachers in providing all of our students, regardless of situation, the best education possible.”
Karen Ruel:
Karen Ruel, 57, is a lifelong Biddeford resident. She is married and has two children who attended and graduated from Biddeford’s public schools and works as an LTC director.
She has been a member of the school committee for three terms, beginning in 2016.
When asked about her top three priorities and concerns, Ruel listed ensuring a quality academic curriculum for every student as her top concern.
Secondly, Ruel says she wants to make resources for teachers to accomplish and excel in their roles; while providing a safe environment for students and teachers.
“I am seeking a seat on the Biddeford school board as I believe every student should be afforded a quality education in a safe environment,” Ruel said. “I bring experience as a three-term prior school board member, positivity and genuine curiosity. I understand the importance of collaboration and problem solving to turn ideas into action. I am a true believer in lifelong learning.”
Tim Stebbins:
Tim Stebbins, 63, is a lifelong Biddeford resident. He is a retired educator and has served eight years on the city’s recreation commission.
Tim Stebbins
Asked to identify the top three challenges facing the city’s schools, Stebbins said the district needs a solid plan to deal with a rapidly growing MLL (Multi-Language Learners) population. “I see it as an opportunity to expand our capacity to help new families in acclimating to our school system and enriching the school environment in the process,” he said. “I do not want any of our student populations to go without the necessary resources available to help make them successful in their educational journey.”
Stebbins also identified test scores throughout the district as another priority for educators. “With limited resources available and the need to extend those resources to the various mandated programs that exist, it becomes a delicate balance of where to spend the available money,” he said.
Stebbins said he would like to work on “curriculum matters in order to have vertical alignment, K-12.”
“There should be consistency between the grade levels of the schools in Biddeford,” he added. “What are we teaching, how do we deliver the instruction, and how do we know if students are learning are vital questions to ask when assessing any school district?”
Stebbins said school officials need to look at the demographics of a community and to allocate the funds judiciously in order to get the best value for spending.
“Are we meeting the needs of all the learners, or are we meeting only a certain population of the learners in Biddeford schools?” he asked. “There isn’t a program on the market that will meet the needs of all learners, so I’m committed to look at various alternatives that would support the curriculum needs of our teachers”
Stebbins said he is running for a seat on the school committee as “a way to give back to a community that has afforded me many opportunities in my professional life.”
“I have been a teacher, coach, and an administrator in my professional career and always felt supported by the people around me. I want current educators to feel the same way. I want to support initiatives that will enhance our schools and make them stronger for the future.
“I want people moving to Biddeford, not just for the vibrant community it has become, but for the education the schools can provide for their family.”
NOTE: Candidates Andrew Barrs and Marie Potvin did not respond to our request for information about their campaigns.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) held its Eighth Annual Pillars of Pride event to honor two remarkable community members: longtime educator Joyce Tarpy and local photographer Maureen Grandmaison. The celebration, hosted at The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford, raised over $20,000 for the Foundation, which provides resources outside the school budget to enhance learning opportunities, assists students in need of food, clothing, and shelter, and supports teacher mini-grants to maximize opportunities for students Pre-K through Grade 12.
The event began with a welcome from BEF President Shelley Kane, who expressed gratitude to the evening’s sponsors, local businesses, and community members for their generous contributions. Kane reminded attendees that the Pillars of Pride celebration is more than just a night of recognition—it is the Foundation’s primary fundraiser and a vital source of support for Biddeford students.
The Biddeford Education Foundation honored longtime educator Joyce Tarpy (right) and photographer Maureen Grandmaison (center), pictured with Biddeford School Department Superintendent Jeremy Ray (left), at its Eighth Annual Pillars of Pride event on October 18, 2025.
“These are difficult times for many families, with housing and food insecurity at record highs,” Kane shared. “In Biddeford Schools alone, we have 134 students experiencing homelessness—an increase of nearly 300 percent in just five years. Thanks to the generosity of donors and events like Pillars of Pride, we can respond quickly when families need help and ensure students have access to opportunities that make learning meaningful.”
“These are difficult times for many families”
— Shelley Kane, BEF president
Funds raised by the Foundation have had a powerful impact across the district, helping students and teachers alike. BEF has served 220 students through funding the Backpack Program and after-school snack programs, prevented homelessness of 51 students through emergency rent relief, assisted 36 families from having their utilities disconnected, provided winter clothing for all students in need, partnered to provide 103 families with Thanksgiving meals, and awarded teacher mini-grants benefiting 1,651 students by bring creativity and innovation into the classroom. Recent mini-grant projects have included implementing a Unified Bocce Ball team to promote inclusion, a bird-watching initiative that allowed students to study local ecosystems firsthand, as well as hands-on art collaborations that connected creativity with community service.
“This event was a wonderful reminder of how much stronger we are when community members step forward to share their gifts,” said Superintendent Jeremy Ray. “Joyce and Maureen are the kind of people who make a lasting mark—not because they seek recognition, but because they show up, time and again, for our students and staff. Their care, generosity, and quiet leadership embody the very best of Biddeford. The success of this event reflects the spirit of Biddeford and the pride we all share in helping every child thrive.”
“This event was a wonderful reminder of how much stronger we are when community members step forward to share their gifts.”
— Supt. Jeremy Ray
Following the Superintendent’s remarks, honorees Joyce Tarpy and Maureen Grandmaison were recognized with silver plaques that will be displayed in their honor—Tarpy’s at Biddeford High School’s Tiger Gym, where seniors take their final graduation walk, and Grandmaison’s at Waterhouse Field, where she has spent countless hours photographing student milestones. Both women shared heartfelt remarks reflecting on their deep connection to the community, Biddeford students, and their gratitude for the recognition.
The ability to help our local families in need through this major fundraiser is made possible thanks to the following: Diamond Sponsor – Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating and Provencher Fuels; Gold Sponsors – Maine Community Bank and Saco & Biddeford Savings; Silver Sponsors – Locke & Sons Plumbing & Heating, PeoplesChoice Credit Union, and The Lincoln Hotel; Bronze Sponsors – Bergen & Parkinson LLC, Brown Dog Carriers and Logistics, Great Falls Construction, Rotary Club of Biddeford-Saco, and Saco Veterinary Walk-In Care & Animal Hospital of Saco; Black & Orange Sponsors – Academy of Dance, Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Diverse Anecdote, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Randy Forcier/CMG Home Loans, Rousseau Insurance Agency, and Saco House of Pizza; and the many local businesses and individuals who donated to the silent auction.
Through the continued generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees, the Biddeford Education Foundation remains committed to fostering innovation in classrooms, supporting families, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed—academically and beyond. For more information about the Biddeford Education Foundation, contact BEF President Shelley Kane at 207-391-6885.
Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me
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Tuesday was an emotional day for teachers and staff at Biddeford’s John F. Kennedy Memorial School.
The original building was opened in 1965, but a long list of necessary and expensive repairs, upgrades and maintenance issues ultimately forced voters to approve a plan to close the school.
What will happen next to the building and its surrounding playground and parking lot is still unknown.
Earlier this year, the city council created a committee to consider future uses for the property, which is located near the intersection of West and Hill streets.
Photo by Maureen Grandmaison
Over the years, the school building has been expanded. The school once housed students from first to sixth grade, and then third, fourth and fifth grades. Today, the building serves kindergarten and Pre-K students only.
On Thursday, when the dismissal bell rings, the students walking out the door will board their buses and close the final chapter for a school that is fondly remembered by the community it served.
On Tuesday afternoon, current and former teachers and staff members gathered in the school’s gymnasium for an informal pot-luck dinner and an opportunity to share memories and experiences in the school.
“This school is filled with cherished memories for both staff and students,” said Meghan Schrader, JFK’s co-principal. “Although saying farewell is difficult, we are excited about what lies ahead for our students. The new space at BPS will allow for increased collaboration for teachers and create a community of Biddeford’s youngest learners.”
“This school is filled with cherished memories for both staff and students,”
— Meghan Schrader, JFK’s co-principal.
School Supt. Jeremy Ray said that moving the city’s youngest students to BPS will give those children more stability and a less fractured learning experience.
“Going forward, students will be in the same building from Pre- K to second grade,” Ray said. “This way, the kids have four years in one building with lots of familiar faces.”
Schrader agreed with Ray, saying that the new arrangement will also give second grade students the opportunity to be role models and mentors for their younger peers.
Retired teacher Pat Gagne attended Tuesday’s informal goodbye ceremony.
Gagne started teaching in 1977 and spent 16 years teaching at JFK. “It’s a sad moment, but it’s also nice to see our family here,” she said. “We all have so many great stories about working here.”
According to school officials, all kindergarten students will attend Biddeford Primary School while Pre-K students will temporarily be housed at Biddeford Intermediate School until construction of a new wing at the Primary school is fully complete.
The expansion project, launched in a September 2024 groundbreaking ceremony, is designed to bring PreK–2 students under one roof in a modern, developmentally supportive environment.
According to school officials, a 2002 assessment of the building determined that renovating JFK would cost significantly more than constructing a new space.
Last year, Biddeford taxpayers approved a $9 million construction bond to expand BPS—an investment estimated to save up to $16 million over the cost of renovating the aging JFK building.
“Closing JFK School is a significant milestone, not just emotionally but in terms of progress,” said Ray. “We’re incredibly grateful to the staff who have made JFK such a special place to Biddeford’s youngest learners.”
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Biddeford voters will soon be asked whether they approve a $49.3 million budget for operation of Biddeford’s public schools during the next fiscal year.
The $49,269,781 school budget was ratified by the city council on May 8 and represents what School Supt. Jeremy Ray describes as a “carefully managed” expenditure increase of slightly more than 4 percent.
The election will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at Biddeford High School’s Tiger Gymnasium located at 20 Maplewood Avenue. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The last date for an absentee ballot request is Thursday, June 5, according to the Biddeford City Clerk’s office.
Although Ray described this as an “exciting time for our school district,” he also noted that Biddeford will see a sharp decrease in state aid for education this year because of the city’s recent spike in property valuations.
Biddeford High School. Photo via Wikipedia
“It’s important to understand just how efficiently Biddeford manages taxpayer dollars compared to other communities,” Ray wrote in a recent open letter to the Biddeford Community.
According to Ray, Biddeford spends $15,274 per student, nearly $1,800 less per student than the state average of $17,029.
When compared to neighboring communities, the difference is even more striking, Ray said.
For example, the town of Old Orchard Beach spends $25,440 per student, while the city of Saco spends $17, 348 per student — $2,074 more than Biddeford. Kennebunk, Scarborough and South Portland all spend much more per student than Biddeford.
Despite spending significantly less per student, Ray said Biddeford schools continue to provide “quality education, maintain modern facilities, and offer diverse programming including our new vocational opportunities.”
Biddeford’s “exceptional fiscal efficiency” also comes with challenges,” Ray explained.
Biddeford is facing what Ray described as” a significant reduction in state aid,” only because Biddeford’s property values have increased substantially.
“Our dedicated teachers and staff continue to provide the excellent education that makes Biddeford schools a source of community pride.”
— School Supt. Jeremy Ray
“While rising property values are positive for our community’s economic health, they create a funding challenge under Maine’s school funding formula, as higher valuations result in reduced state support,” Ray said. “Although we spend $1,800 less per student than the state average, we must ask our taxpayers to shoulder more of the burden due to this state funding formula”
Ray says that it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide all the academic supports and programs that “our students truly need to reach their full potential.”
“The gap between what we spend and what our neighboring districts invest creates real limitations,” Ray said. “Additional reading specialists, mental health counselors, technology support staff, and enrichment programs that other communities take for granted are luxuries we must carefully weigh against our budget constraints.
“Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to bridge these gaps, but there are limits to what can be accomplished with significantly fewer resources per student,” he said.
On the positive side of things, Ray says Biddeford’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond the classroom.
“Our students consistently demonstrate success in academics, athletics, the arts, and our renowned band and marching band programs that compete at the highest levels,” he said.
“Whether our graduates choose to enter the workforce with career-ready skills from our vocational programs or pursue higher education at local colleges or prestigious national universities, they leave Biddeford well-prepared for their next chapter.”
Ray noted that the new addition at Biddeford Primary School will be completed this winter, “providing modern learning spaces for our youngest learners.”
School Superintendent Jeremy Ray
“Infrastructure investments represent our commitment to providing 21st-century educational facilities for all our students,” Ray said. “Our school committee’s long-range vision for maintenance and improvement of the physical plant is a prudent investment.”
“So many districts wait for a crisis and then ask their communities to float large bonds to fix problems that are compounded by can-kicking and neglect,” he added.
Ray pointed out that Biddeford Middle school is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, and is still “an amazing facility that offers a breadth of curricular and cocurricular opportunities that would be the envy of most.”
The Biddeford School Committee, Ray said, is committed to investing at least $250,000 or more in the Biddeford Intermediate School as it begins its fourth decade of service to the city.
Ray described the recently completed Biddeford Regional Center of Technology as one of Maine’s premier vocational centers, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and direct pathways to high-demand careers.
“Our vocational programs not only serve our own students but also generate revenue by serving students from neighboring districts who choose Biddeford for their technical education,” Ray said.
Ray also serves as the superintendent for the city of Saco and the town of Dayton, and he said Biddeford’s collaboration with those neighboring communities has yielded significant savings of roughly $500,000 annually for Biddeford taxpayers.
“While we face challenges with reduced state support, our district continues to thrive,” Ray said. “Our dedicated teachers and staff continue to provide the excellent education that makes Biddeford schools a source of community pride.”
RELATED: To see or download the full text of the superintendent’s letter to the community, click on this link:
With a “challenging” budget hanging over their heads, members of the Biddeford City Council and the Biddeford School Committee participated in a joint workshop meeting Monday to examine the proposed budget.
Monday’s joint meeting was a rare occurrence that has happened only once before over the past 10 years.
“This is an unusual opportunity,” said Mayor Marty Grohman during his opening remarks. “We all share the same goals.”
School Superintendent Jeremy Ray said both the council and the committee are all in a “difficult situation, but we are being very conservative.”
In its current form, the proposed budget for next year shows an increase of 0.53 percent for the city; a 5.10 percent increase in school funding and an 0.08 percent increase in county taxes.
According to Acting City Manager Brian Phinney, every $100,000 of spending requires 2.3 cents on the tax rate.
As it stands now, the proposed budget would require an increase in the mil rate, from $14.22 last year to $15.03 this year.
Members of the Biddeford City Council and Biddeford School Committee discuss the proposed budget for next year. (Seaver photo)
Grohman said Monday’s evening was designed to bring both groups together under one roof so that they could each share their concerns and collaborate with one another about ways to soften the impact on taxpayers.
School Committee member Marie Potvin is a retired teacher who spent many years working in Biddeford schools.
“I was born and raised here,” Potvin said. “Our demographics have been changing significantly, and I am feeling somewhat anxious about all the things happening outside of the city that is creating so much uncertainty.”
School Committee member Megan Desjardins is a social worker. “Every single decision we make is in the best interest of our students,” she said. “Every day, we are being asked to do more for less.”
John McCurry, a former city councilor and current school committee member, described the budget as “quite high” McCurry said the city’s schools are always seeking ways to drive down costs, but he is worried about public perception.
“How do we get citizens involved?” McCurry asked, recalling previous budget debates when members of the public filled the council chamber, spilling out into the hallway.
Almost everyone at Monday’s meeting agreed that an 11.5 percent increase in the overall school budget is going to be a hard sell to voters.
“People just react to the numbers,” said School Committee member Chad Barrs. “There’s often a stark difference between perception and reality. It is much more complicated than it looks on paper.”
“Every day, we are being asked to do more for less.”
— Megan Desjardins, School Committee member
City Councilor Marc Lessard said the council needs to make some “painful decisions,” reminding the group that Biddeford taxpayers have seen a 20 percent increase over the last three years.
“If everyone here is okay with a 5.7 percent increase, then let’s just go home,” Lessard said. “Our work is done,” adding that he will not support a 5.7 percent increase.
“Do we take money away from kids who need funding or do we take it from McArthur Library and the Heart of Biddeford?” Lessard asked rhetorically, suggesting that the city could slash all of its funding for social services requests.
Councilor Doris Ortiz rebuked Lessard. “A lot of those social service agencies help our kids,” she said.
Councilor Norman Belanger said the council should avoid creating an “us versus them mentality.”
What’s driving the school budget?
School Supt. Jeremy Ray pointed to what he described as a “seriously flawed” school funding formula that is used for determining state subsidy amounts.
During his presentation, Ray walked through several charts and spreadsheets that demonstrate how increasing valuations hurts the city’s schools.
One of those spreadsheets shows Biddeford being well behind many other communities when it comes to per pupil cost for education.
Biddeford’s per pupil cost last year was $9,904.76, compared to $16,085.68 in the town of Falmouth or $15, 936.72 in South Portland.
“Our focus is always about what our students deserve,” Ray said. “A child in Biddeford doesn’t deserve less than a kid in Cape Elizabeth. We have a tough population, but people still want excellence.”
Ray also provided an 11-year comparison for Biddeford’s school budget, which shows an average expenditure increase of 3.82 percent.
Last year, the school budget came in with a 6.1 percent increase in expenditures. This year’s requested increase is 5.39 percent.
City Council President Liam LaFountain said there is still a long road ahead in what the final budget will look like, including public hearings and additional council review.
“Some of this feels premature,” LaFountain said. “I want to make sure that we’re not just thinking about the short term, but are also considering a lot of long-term impacts.”
Councilor Dylan Doughty said “everyone is being asked to do more with less” on both the city and school side of the budget.
Barrs said the proposed budget is going to be a “tough pill to swallow” for taxpayers and voters who will ultimately decide on whether to approve the school budget in June.
Click on the link below to view/download a copy of the Biddeford School Budget Presentation
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 