Board keeps Phippsburg nurse part time despite money voters added

What happened

The FY27 budget cut the Phippsburg Elementary nurse from full time. At the May 26 district budget meeting, voters added $43,390 (70-47) to keep the job full time. On June 24 the board voted 5-1 to keep it at 60% anyway and to track student health-office visits each month, and it will revisit the decision in January 2027. September data showed six visits during the morning hours when no nurse is on duty.

Why it matters to families

Residents spoke for a full-time nurse at three meetings in a row, and voters added the money. The board can legally spend that money on something else, but it chose not to spend it on other items or on the nurse.

The evidence

June 24, 2026 minutes: 'MOTION: Dorr SECOND: King VOTE: Board (5-1) TO: Retain the Phippsburg Elementary School nurse position at 60% and reevaluate at the January 2027 RSU 1 Board meeting.' May 26, 2026 minutes: amended Article 6 vote '70 Yes, 47 No'.

The source