LIVERMORE FALLS – SAD 36 directors unanimously voted to approve $9.28 million budget Thursday for fiscal 2009. That represents a 2.39 percent or $217,013 increase over current spending.

It is the lowest school budget increase in Western Maine, Superintendent Terry Despres told board members.

The rise is attributed mainly to energy and salaries. The budget equals out to $216 per student, Chairman Ashley O’Brien said. The district will not be able to deliver a lower tax rate for education to the two towns it serves this year for the first time in five years.

Under the proposal, Livermore and Livermore Falls will be responsible for a combined local share of $3.39 million. Both towns’ state valuations increased, which will be reflected in higher district tax assessments.

Livermore’s share of education costs will go from $1.57 million this year to $1.74 million, an increase of $179,851.

Livermore Falls’ share of the budget will go from $1.55 million this school year to $1.65 million next year, an increase of $97,780.

The board also voted 9-1, with Denise Rodzen of Livermore Falls opposed, to ratify a three-year contract with the educational technician and secretary bargaining unit. The union members will get a 3 percent raise.