BETHEL — The SAD 44 board unanimously approved a proposed budget of $10,564,225 Monday night. They also approved an Adult and Community Education proposed budget of $158,073.

The district budget for 2014-15 is about 1.87 percent, or nearly $193,000, more than the current figure, and the adult education budget is about 4 percent above the current operating budget.

At the board’s next meeting May 12, the warrants will be signed and an informational mailing for residents in Bethel, Andover, Newry, Woodstock and Greenwood will be developed. It will detail on how the budget was developed and what it means to the educational program.

Voters will discuss the budget at a districtwide meeting May 27 at the Helen C. Berry Auditorium of the Telstar/Middle School complex in Bethel. The figure approved will be voted on at referendums in each town June 10.

The SAD 44 Finance Committee presented a detailed explanation of the changes to the 12 cost centers prior to Monday’s vote.

Among the increases are those to the instructional account, which includes additional funding to Mahoosuc Arts. The budget includes combining the part-time positions of special education director and curriculum coordinator into one full-time position, making a half-time art position full time, supporting high school students who want to attend Central Maine Community College during their senior year and providing coverage for the Telstar complex’s fitness room.

Also increased were the number of days guidance counselors will be available to middle and high school students, and additional funds for psychological assessments and for professional development.

Debt service was decreased because the Crescent Park Elementary School project has been paid off; however, $122,000 must be paid toward an air-quality project that was completed this year at the Telstar complex.

Those costs centers showing decreases include about $20,000 for diesel fuel and $55,000 less for sending students to the Region 9 School of Applied Technology in Mexico.

State aid to education was lowered by a couple of hundred thousand dollars.

Board member Frank Del Luca said he was concerned that a higher school budget will affect every taxpayer in the district. He also took issue with the reduction in state aid.

“It’s not OK to cut funding and increase the responsibilities to residents. We should let the state know that that’s not OK,” he said. “The state and federal governments are asking us to do more and more every year.”

He, and the rest of the board, were encouraged to contact their state legislators with their concerns.

“Even better is to testify at the hearings,” said board member Tim Carter, who is a former state legislator.

Finance Committee member Bonnie Largess said the proposed budget provides improved educational opportunities for students, while not requiring a major impact on taxpayers.

Board member Deb Webster agreed.

“Our kids need these additions desperately,” she said.

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