NEW GLOUCESTER – While the SAD 15 board remains unclear to how much funding the district expects from the state, the proposed $19.7 million budget for the roughly 2000 students is taking shape.

Dr. Alan Rich, chairman of the 11 member school board, said the Gray-New Gloucester district will lose some state subsidy for 2007-08. He estimates the loss will be from $71,326 to $203,440.

Also, student enrollment is down 32 students based on last October’s enrollment, which could decrease the state subsidy.

And, property valuation in Gray and New Gloucester has increased by 16 percent. According to Rich, the state says that the citizens of Gray and New Gloucester can afford to pay a higher share of school costs. “Subsidy is directly linked to property valuation,” he said addressing New Gloucester selectmen last week.

School district leaders are making the rounds to local municipalities explaining the budget proposal.

The budget request is an increase of $733,694 over the 2006-07 approved budget or a 3.86 percent increase.

New programs include a high school choral teacher; one kindergarten teacher; one special education teacher; special education secretary and increased nurse ed tech time and additional hours for the high school assistant principal.

Reductions of staff impact a middle school sixth-grade teacher; a high school health teacher and two special-education teachers and two ed techs.

A public hearing on the budget is scheduled on May 16 and voters will go to the polls on June 13 to vote on the budget in its entirety.

If Gov. John Baldacci’s plan is approved, then Gray’s share of local budget totals $6,227,792 or 9.16 mills and new Gloucester’s contribution will total $3,209,320 or 7.21 mills. If the Legislature’s plan is approved, Gray’s contribution totals $6,314,978 or 9.29 mills and New Gloucester’s share at $3,254,248 or 7.31 mills.