LEWISTON — Voters approved the $92.2 million school budget Tuesday by a vote of 340-232.
A total of 274 voters said it was too high, 141 thought it was acceptable and 150 said the amount was too low.
The citywide referendum was held at the former Longley Elementary School at 145 Birch St.
The budget adopted by the School Committee and approved by the City Council includes a 60-cent increase on the local property tax rate. That means local taxpayers would pay an additional 60 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
Despite reductions to his original budget, Superintendent Jake Langlais said Friday that he believes the district can operate on the proposed amount.
“Voters ultimately decide at the referendum Tuesday and can indicate if they feel the budget is too low or too high as part of the referendum,” he said.
He said the plan includes:
• Necessary supports for language learners that have been declined in the past.
• Opens new opportunities for students and community with the expansion of Lewiston High School, which will be completed around the end of October.
• Celebrates identity, creativity and expression with the arts commitments.
• Maintains current staff.
The School Committee was forced to amend its spending plan earlier this month because the City Council voted down the proposed $95.7 million budget.
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