POLAND – Poland kindergartners will have a full day of class this fall according to the budget to be presented at next month’s town meeting.

“This is a significant change for the town,” said Ira Levine, chairman of the Poland School Committee. “The principal worked really hard in redistributing classes so that we could maintain an average of 18 students per class and have full-day kindergarten without having to hire additional staff.”

Other significant changes for the schools include providing a literary specialist for students and teachers in kindergarten through third grade, as well as a recommitment to technology, said Levine.

“Some of the computers at PCS are 15 years old,” said Levine. “It’s almost criminal how outdated they are.”

A projected revenue increase will result in a $12.5 million budget for the three local schools if voters approve recommendations.

Extra money also allowed for staff to remain at about the same levels as last year for the Poland Community School, Bruce Whittier Middle School and Poland Regional High School.

“We cut it really close on supplies, and moved some people around,” said Dowdy. “But there wasn’t any reduction in staff and no major additions.”

Poland School Committee members accepted the budget Wednesday. The budget will be subject to voter approval at the annual town meeting April 24.

Town and school officials are expecting $144,664 more in local revenue over last year’s $5.2 million, and about $654,000 more from outside sources, according to the proposed 2004-2005 budget accepted by the Poland School Committee.

The boost more than offsets a $150,000 reduction from the state this year. The drop in state funding reflects the rising total property value in Poland and a shift to a higher share of local funding, said Bill Dowdy, assistant superintendent for School Union 29.

Minot and Mechanic Falls will pay about $389,000 more in tuition for more students attending the high school. Minot will pay $919,318, and Mechanic Falls will pay $1.2 million.