BRUNSWICK — Voters approved a $40 million school budget on Tuesday and chose to continue to use the referendum process to approve the school spending plan.

“We are very pleased with the results,” Superintendent of Schools Paul Perzanoski said. “Everyone has worked very hard through the process and the results speak for themselves.”

The school budget passed with nearly 60% support, 887-602. Property taxpayers can expect to see a 3% tax increase, from $18.92 to $19.86 per $1,000 of taxable value. For a home valued at $200,000, the tax bill would increase from $3,784 to $3,972.

The school budget will increase $2 million from the 2019 fiscal year. The major drivers include $740,000 for regular education, $350,000 for student and staff support and $293,000 for special education.

A large portion of the increase will be allotted for a new preschool program that will later be reimbursed by the state. Like other districts, a large portion of the monetary increase will go toward salaries and benefits.

Included on Brunswick’s ballot was a question that asked voters if the school budget was too high, acceptable, or too low. Forty-four percent of voters said the budget was too high.

Residents also voted to continue the referendum process for the next three years, with 69% of voters in support.

Turnout was low, according to Town Clerk Fran Smith: Only 9.2% of registered voters went to the polls and about 1,500 votes were cast.

Taylor Abbott can be reached at 780-9123 or tabbott@theforecaster.net. Follow Taylor on Twitter: @tabbotttt.


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