Strategic Advisory & Data-Driven Solutions

Empowering Leaders to Lead with Data

Dirigo Strategic Advisors delivers independent budget analysis, purpose-built tools, and professional training for Maine's schools, municipalities, and public sector organizations.

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$2.6B
Maine EPS Total Allocation We Help Districts Navigate
AI
Purpose-Built, AI-Driven Custom Solutions Live & In Development
EPS
Deep Expertise in Maine School Funding
ME
Maine-Specific Data & Solutions
What We Do

Services Aligned to What Matters

From independent budget analysis to fraud prevention, we help Maine's public sector organizations make informed decisions grounded in data.

01

Budget & Financial Oversight

Independent, comprehensive budget analysis for school districts — comparing actual spending against EPS allocations, identifying discretionary spending, and delivering student-focused budget recommendations with alternate budget models.

ED279 AnalysisBudget vs. ActualStaffing AlignmentEPS Comparisons
02

Custom Solutions & Tools

Purpose-built, data-driven tools designed for Maine's unique regulatory environment — from school budget analysis platforms to financial oversight toolkits and benefits calculators. We build the technology that amplifies your team's expertise.

Web ApplicationsData AnalyticsAI-Powered Insights
03

Pre-Audit Services

Get audit-ready with expert guidance. We help schools and municipalities prepare financial documentation, resolve discrepancies, reconcile accounts, and organize records before engaging an auditor — saving time and reducing stress.

Record OrganizationReconciliationAudit Readiness
04

Training & Workshops

Hands-on professional development for school board members, municipal officials, and public sector leaders — including EPS funding workshops, budget analysis bootcamps, and customized on-site training for your organization.

EPS WorkshopsBudget BootcampsBoard TrainingOn-Site Programs
05

Strategic Enablement

Connect your vision to everyday execution. We build enablement strategies that drive cross-functional alignment, strengthen governance, and create a culture of accountability — from operational optimization to change management.

GovernanceChange ManagementOperational Excellence
06

Fraud Prevention & Detection

Proactive fraud risk assessment, internal controls review, and comprehensive training programs to protect organizations from financial fraud — led by a Certified Fraud Examiner with deep forensic accounting expertise.

Risk AssessmentInternal ControlsCFE-Led
Our Solutions

Purpose-Built Tools for Maine

Data-driven applications designed for Maine's unique funding formulas, regulations, and oversight needs.

Live

Maine School Budget Analysis Tool

Compare your district's actual spending against Maine's EPS funding baseline. Enter ED279 data, run AI-powered analysis, and generate student-focused budget recommendations with scenario modeling — all in one platform.

Schedule a Demo →
Maine School Budget Analysis Tool
📊 District Budget Overview — Sample District
EPS Allocation (State + Local)$8,247,312
Actual Total Budget$9,831,450
Above EPS Minimum+$1,584,138 (19.2%)
% of EPS Staffing0.87
Attending Pupils
842
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,677
📈 Spending by Category vs. EPS Baseline
Instruction
SpEd
Admin
Transport
Ops
Debt
Insight
Special Ed spending 38% above EPS allocation. Transportation exceeds 105% cap.
👥 Staffing vs. Enrollment Alignment
EPS Teacher FTE49.5
Actual Teacher FTE56.8
% of EPS (Teachers)0.87
EPS Ed Tech FTE7.4
Actual Ed Tech FTE12.1
% of EPS (Ed Techs)0.61
Flag
Ed tech staffing at 163% of EPS model. Review against enrollment trend.
🤖 AI-Powered Recommendations
Priority 1 — Staffing
Ed tech positions 63% above EPS model. Consider aligning 2 FTEs with declining K-3 enrollment.
Priority 2 — Transportation
Costs exceed 105% EPS cap. Review routing efficiency and contracted vs. owned bus costs.
Priority 3 — Revenue
Rising property valuations may reduce state share by ~$120K in FY27. Plan for local increase.
District Overview
Live

Maine Financial Oversight Toolkit

A comprehensive toolkit for school board members to conduct independent financial oversight. Training modules, red flag identification, audit preparation checklists, and compliance tracking — everything a board member needs for effective governance.

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Financial Oversight Toolkit
✅ Monthly Oversight Checklist
✓
Review monthly financial statements
✓
Compare budget vs. actual by function code
✓
Verify bank reconciliations are current
!
Review purchasing/procurement compliance
○
Assess internal control documentation
○
Review prior audit findings follow-up
3 of 6 items complete — 50%
🚩 Red Flag Dashboard
⚠ Medium Risk
Procurement policy last updated 18 months ago — review cycle overdue.
⬤ High Risk
3 vendor payments exceeded $10K without documented board approval.
✓ Low Risk
Payroll reconciliation current. All timesheets approved within policy window.
📋 Audit Preparation Tracker
FY2025FY2024FY2023
Bank StatementsReady
General Ledger ExportReady
Grant DocumentationIn Progress
Board Meeting MinutesReady
Vendor ContractsMissing 3 files
Payroll RecordsReady
🎓 Board Member Training — Module 3
Understanding Internal Controls
Learn to evaluate whether your district has adequate separation of duties, authorization procedures, and safeguards over assets and financial reporting.
Progress
67%
Est. Remaining
12 min
✓
Lesson 1: What Are Internal Controls?
✓
Lesson 2: Separation of Duties
▶
Lesson 3: Common Control Weaknesses
○
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Oversight Checklist
Live

SSI Benefits Calculator

A bilingual (English/Spanish) calculator that helps SSI recipients understand exactly how working affects their benefits. Step-by-step SSA formula breakdown, monthly income tracker, what-if scenario comparisons, and printable summary reports.

Contact Us for a Demo →
SSI Benefits Calculator
🧮 Monthly Benefit Calculation
EnglishEspañol
Gross Monthly Wages$800.00
− General Income Exclusion−$20.00
− Earned Income Exclusion−$65.00
÷ 2 (Countable Income)= $357.50
SSI Payment
$636.50
Total Income
$1,436.50
⚖️ What-If Scenario Comparison
20 hrs/wk30 hrs/wk40 hrs/wk
Scenario20 hrs @ $15/hr
Monthly Wages$1,300.00
SSI Payment$386.50
Total Monthly Income$1,686.50
Gain from Working
+$692.50/mo vs. not working
📅 Monthly Income Tracker — 2026
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
YTD Earnings
$7,200
Projected Annual
$17,238
🖨️ Printable Summary Report
EnglishEspañol
SSI Benefit Summary — January 2026
Prepared for: [Recipient Name]
Federal Benefit Rate (2026)$994.00
Countable Income$357.50
Monthly SSI Payment$636.50
ABLE Account Note
Earnings above SSI limits can be saved in an ABLE account without affecting benefits — up to $18,000/yr.
Monthly Calculation
DSA Academies & Workshops

Professional Development for Public Sector Leaders

Hands-on training built around Maine's funding formulas, governance requirements, and the real questions board members need to ask.

Now Enrolling

Maine School Board Academy

Self-Paced Online + Live Workshops

Comprehensive training for school board members on budget oversight, EPS funding, financial accountability, and effective governance practices.

  • Understanding Maine's EPS funding formula
  • Budget analysis and oversight techniques
  • Financial red flag identification
  • Effective board governance practices
  • Interactive workshops and case studies
Enroll Now →
Available

Understanding the School Budget

Half-Day Workshop (3 Hours) — On-Site or Virtual

A practical workshop that equips school board members and administrators with the skills to read, interpret, and ask meaningful questions about their district's budget — including how spending compares to EPS allocations and where discretionary dollars are going.

  • Budget warrant analysis and interpretation
  • Budget vs. actual spending review
  • EPS allocation vs. local spending comparison
  • Staffing-to-enrollment alignment
  • Key questions board members should be asking
  • Hands-on exercises with real district data
Request This Workshop →
Available

Maine's Essential Programs & Services

Half-Day Workshop (3 Hours) — On-Site or Virtual

A comprehensive walkthrough of Maine's EPS funding model — from its constitutional foundations to reading your district's ED279 report. Participants leave with the knowledge to understand how state and local funding shares are calculated and what drives their district's allocation.

  • EPS funding model explained (adequacy vs. revenue-based)
  • In-depth ED279 report walkthrough
  • Staff ratios, salary matrices, and rate calculations
  • State vs. local share determination
  • Special education, transportation, and debt service allocations
  • Current challenges and reform discussions (MEPRI)
Request This Workshop →
Available

School Board Financial Oversight

Half-Day or Full-Day Workshop — On-Site or Virtual

Equip your board with the practical skills and frameworks needed for effective financial stewardship — from reviewing monthly financials and identifying red flags to preparing for audits and strengthening internal controls.

  • Financial statement review and interpretation
  • Budget vs. actual monitoring techniques
  • Financial red flag identification
  • Internal controls and procurement oversight
  • Audit readiness and preparation
  • Board governance best practices
Request This Workshop →
Coming Soon

Maine Fraud Prevention Academy

Online Course + On-Site Options

Essential training on fraud prevention, detection, and response for public sector organizations. Led by a Certified Fraud Examiner with real-world investigation experience.

  • Common fraud schemes in public sector
  • Internal control best practices
  • Red flag recognition and reporting
  • Investigation procedures
  • Creating a culture of integrity
Coming Soon
Coming Soon

Financial Oversight Certification

Advanced Certification Program

Advanced certification for elected officials and administrators seeking deep expertise in public sector financial management and governance.

  • Advanced budget analysis techniques
  • Audit preparation and review
  • Policy development and compliance
  • Performance measurement
  • Strategic financial planning
Coming Soon

Custom Training Available — We offer on-site workshops, group enrollment discounts, and customized programs for school boards, municipal teams, and organizations. Contact us →

About the Firm

Strategy, Integrity, and Innovation

At Dirigo Strategic Advisors, we empower public sector organizations with strategic insights and data-driven solutions. Our team combines expertise in school finance, governance, forensic accounting, and technology to deliver practical tools and training that make a measurable difference.

We work alongside leaders to build capacity for effective financial stewardship — whether that means analyzing a district's budget against EPS allocations, building a custom tool to automate complex data analysis, or training a school board on the questions that drive accountability.

Our approach is hands-on: independent analysis, purpose-built technology, and practical engagement that empowers districts and organizations to make student-focused, data-driven decisions.

"Dirigo" — Latin for "I lead" — is Maine's state motto, and the principle at the heart of everything we do.

Integrity

Independent analysis and the highest standards of honesty in every engagement.

Excellence

Rigorous methodology and a commitment to delivering actionable, defensible findings.

Collaboration

Working alongside organizations to build lasting capacity — not dependency.

Innovation

Purpose-built tools and modern technology applied to real-world problems.

Our Team

Leadership

Experienced professionals combining strategic consulting, school finance, forensic accounting, and technology expertise.

Jason F. Sharpe

Jason F. Sharpe

 

Co-Founder

Leading strategic initiatives, data-driven solution development, and school finance consulting. Builds the tools and training programs that help Maine's public sector leaders make informed decisions.

Robert N. Brown Jr.

Robert N. Brown Jr.

CPA, CFE

Co-Founder

Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner bringing deep expertise in forensic accounting, fraud prevention, financial oversight, and governance to every engagement.

Get In Touch

Let's Build Something Together

Whether you're a school board seeking budget analysis, a district interested in our pilot program, an organization exploring training options, or a leader looking for better tools — we're here to help.

Location

Bangor, Maine

Request a Consultation

Fill out the form and we'll respond within one business day.