The Jaffrey-Rindge School Board has voted to not take action on a proposed petition article that would change how the percentage each town pays into the district is calculated.
In a 4-2 vote on Monday, the board decided to not take action, instead wanting to take time to study the history of the current funding formula and how changes to it could affect each town. Rough estimates show that Rindge’s tax rate would decrease about $2, while Jaffrey’s rate would increase about $2.50.
“I’m very disappointed in the appearance of this warrant article at the last minute,” said board chair Laurel McKenzie. “I do not think this is a cooperative way to go about affecting change in a cooperative school district.”
The petition – submitted by Rindge Selectwoman Roberta Oeser – asks voters to amend the district’s Articles of Agreement to have all expenses be divided between Jaffrey and Rindge based on each town’s average daily membership of students. Currently, the percentage is a 50-50 mix of the average daily membership and the town’s equalized property valuations.
It is estimated that Rindge will shoulder 51.4 percent of any monetary articles approved at Town Meeting under the current formula, according to the district.
All four Jaffrey board members spoke out against the petition article, saying that more research needs to be done. McKenzie thought forming a committee to recommend something for next year would be a better approach to the issue.
Charlie Eicher and Forbes Farmer, both of Rindge, expressed more urgency, saying the petition would be a good first step in righting the inequity of the two towns. Eicher said the formula is further skewed because Jaffrey receives a lot more state aid than Rindge does.
Prior to the School Board meeting, McKenzie met with the Jaffrey Select Board to discuss all district warrant articles. Selectmen Don MacIsaac and Frank Sterling were both outspoken in their lack of support for the petition article.
“The whole thing is doomed to fail,” said MacIsaac. “If we want to be fair, we need to move forward with something that both towns can move forward with.”