TOPSHAM — The fiscal 2012 budget for School Administrative District 75 goes to a ratification vote in a referendum on Tuesday, June 14.

The $34.2 million spending plan was approved in a town meeting-style gathering May 19.

With ratification, next year’s budget will decline more than $572,000, or 1.65 percent, from this year. The district-wide local contribution will remain unchanged at $18.7 million, although individual towns will see an increases or decreases caused by valuation changes.

Topsham’s contribution will increase 3.15 percent to $7.8 million, while Harpswell’s will drop nearly 5 percent to $6.5 million. Bowdoin’s will climb 2.18 percent to $2.1 million, and Bowdoinham’s will rise 2.36 percent to $2.3 million.

SAD 75 is facing a revenue shortfall of nearly $594,000.

Eliminated positions in the budget include two eighth-grade teachers at Mt. Ararat Middle School, a science teacher and two alternative education staff at Mt. Ararat High School, 1.8 elementary librarians, and an interventionist.

Voting on Tuesday at the Topsham Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, Bowdoin Central School and Bowdoinham Town Hall will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In Harpswell, polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Merriconeag Grange Hall on the mainland, at the Cundy’s Harbor Community Building on Great Island, and at the Old Orr’s Island School House.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @learics.

Copy the Story Link