What is being done to cut costs/find efficiencies?
Maines new School Administrative Consolidation Law requires school districts such as Portland to submit an alternative plan to the Maine Department of Education for review. Portlands plan identifies several areas where the district is pursuing creative ways to stretch resources: The Portland Public Schools plans to close its supply warehouse on Homestead Avenue, sell the assets and purchase directly from vendors, as the city does. Savings is estimated at $60,000 in the fiscal year 2009 budget. The plan calls for South Portland School Departments bus garage to take over the maintenance of Portlands fleet from a commercial garage. The change is expected to save the district nearly $60,000 annually. City staff will maintain the school departments boilers and air-conditioning systems, for a savings of $50,000 annually. The role of learning strategists will be redefined, resulting in a savings of $200,000 in the fiscal year 2009 budget. Portland is exploring two initiatives with area distri
