What it Means: Petitioners are asking that SAU 21 officials start with a zero expectation for all budget items, and build up from there, justifying each expense.
Those in Favor: No one was at Deliberative Session to explain their intent or justify the request. One person asked – What is the point of this petition? But no one supporting the Article was there to respond.
Those Against: The school already uses a zero-based approach, assessing each department and line item from the ground up to determine exactly what resources, materials, supplies and staffing are necessary to support the operations, but also the vision and goals. The School Board and Budget Committee then review each line item to make sure they are reasonable, and that they recognize the interests of the school, the town and the taxpayers. Those against say that the added regulation of this Article would not add any sense of fiscal responsibility that is not already present.