DIXFIELD — At the second of three public hearings on a proposed RSU 10 2012-13 budget Wednesday night, attendees learned that more than 50 positions will have been eliminated since the former SADs 21, 39 and 43 merged three years ago if the $35 million budget is passed.

While more than 50 positions will have been lost, including 29 full-time and seven part-time that have been cut from the proposed 2012-13 budget, student population has declined by about 200, to 2,800. All 12 towns in the district have seen a decrease in student population during the past three years, except Carthage, which has increased by almost 20, and Byron which has five more students.

A group of about 25 people, most serving the school district in some capacity, turned out for the hearing and informational session at Dirigo High School.

While positions have been lost and the number of students has declined, Ward said school taxes in the region have generally risen because of property valuations, fewer students and less state aid to education.

Valuation among the 12 member towns increased by $45 million this year, triggering higher taxes. However, Ward said he learned Wednesday that the valuation on which next year’s taxes will be based will drop by $16 million.

The lower the valuation, the more state aid a district receives, he said.

Combining the three former SADs has resulted in the merged district’s ability to absorb about $1 million in losses each year, while still providing laptop computers for all high school students and continuing the educational program, he said.

The proposed 2012-13 budget reflects the first increase in RSU 10’s existence.

The formula by which member towns pay school taxes is based on 75 percent property valuation and 25 percent on the number of students.

If voters approve the proposed budget, school taxes will rise by the following amounts on homes valued at $100,000: Buckfield, $88.22; Byron, $107.15; Canton, $15.37; Carthage, $101.11; Dixfield, $67.80; Hanover, $111.27; Hartford, $61.33; Mexico, $99.52; Peru, $20.83; Roxbury, $89.91; Rumford, $61.15; and Sumner, $24.77.

The third, and final public information meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24, in the Mexico Town Office.

The first was held Tuesday night in Buckfield.

Residents will vote on the $35 million budget at a district-wide election at 6:30 p.m. May 31, in Muskie Auditorium of Mountain Valley High School. Voters will decide on 21 articles that make up the overall budget.

That figure, which can be increased or decreased depending upon voter wishes May 31, will then be validated at referendum June 12 in the individual towns.

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