AUGUSTA — The position of assistant principal now split between two elementary schools may become two dean of students positions — one for each of the two schools — under a proposal the Board of Education is to consider Wednesday.
Board members will also consider extending the bus contract with First Student for another year, at a cost more than a half-million dollars more than the current cost.
Superintendent Cornelia Brown said creating the two dean of student positions in place of the assistant principal’s position would have no impact on the budget. Two positions, at fewer hours per year, would cost about the same as having the assistant principal, because the assistant principal works over the summer. The deans of students, Brown said, would generally work when school is in session, not over the summer.
“Right now, the assistant’s position is split between Farrington and Gilbert (elementary schools),” Brown said. “Both principals came to me and said it just isn’t working. It’s been a very stressful position for the assistant to balance the needs of both schools. They need an individual on site more, at both schools, when the students are there.”
The assistant principal’s position is held by Jan Rollins.
Board of Education members will consider the proposed change at their meeting that begins at 7 p.m. at the auditorium at Cony High School.
Board members are also scheduled to consider approving a one-year contract extension with First Student, to provide busing districtwide.
The cost, including transportation to and from school, Capital Area Technical Center, field trips, and sporting and other events, would be $2.15 million, according to Business Manager Karla Miller.
Brown said that cost is about $557,000 higher than the cost of the current, final year of the expiring contract with First Student — a proposed 35 percent increase.
Brown said First Student’s initial bid to provide busing was around $650,000 higher than the current cost.
However Brown said the company came back with the lower, $2.15 million price when school officials asked about extending the current contract for another year.
School officials had sought bids for a new five-year bus contract, receiving bids from First Student and Student Transportation of America.
Brown said the one-year extension will give school officials more time to study potential changes in busing Augusta students, such as the potential additional cost of picking up all elementary students at the same time, which could allow for more classroom time.
She said bid requests for a long-term bus contract will likely be sent back out again in the fall.
Board members are also scheduled to Consider accepting the retirement of Farrington Elementary School Principal Carolyn Neighoff and consider approving makeup days for snow days.
Brown, who said there are six snow days to make up, said Monday she has not finalized her recommendations.
Keith Edwards — 621-5647
kedwards@centralmaine.com
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