By Terry Karkos,Staff Writer

BETHEL – Confusion appeared to reign at SAD 44 polls on Tuesday for Andover, Bethel, Greenwood, Newry and Woodstock.

Voters gave SAD 21 directors and Superintendent David Murphy a mixed message regarding its $9.9 million budget.

So confusing were the votes, that Murphy said late Tuesday night that he’d have to pore over the figures again on Wednesday, then convene a board meeting to determine what to do.

This year’s budget of $9,911,861, represents an increase of $572,512 over last year’s budget of $9,339,349.

The $9.9 million doesn’t include an additional $97,850 to be raised locally to complement an appropriation of $220,269 for the adult education program.

Regarding the six-question referendum, by an unofficial vote of 506 yes, 488 no, voters authorized directors to spend $9,911,861 to fund public education from kindergarten to grade 12.

But, then, by an unofficial tally of 442 yes, 614 no, defeated the measure that sought to raise and appropriate $1,980,740 in additional local monies.

That money, which exceeded the state’s Essential Programs and Services allocation model by $1,444,364, was needed, the warrant stated, to provide smaller class sizes than are recognized by the state. Additionally, it would provide greater academic support using education technicians, and to pay for co-curricular and transportation costs, all of which are also not recognized by the state.

“None of this seems to make any sense,” Murphy said of the lopsided balloting. Votes were close on nearly every question with one town saying no to the whole thing, another saying yes, and others reflecting uncertainty.

“This is what a lot of places are finding out with the state funding formula, that it’s difficult to understand,” Murphy said.