Poland, Mechanic Falls and Minot voters will decide Tuesday on a 2027 school budget and whether to approve a $6 million state loan to upgrade the heating and ventilation systems in four schools.

Regional School Unit 16’s proposed $31.22 million budget, is $1.34 million, or 4.47%, higher than the current budget.

Voters will cast ballots June 9 at their local town offices.

According to an April 28 school budget forum, the budget reflects a goal of retaining staff to maintain current class sizes, investing in training and tools for students with disabilities, supporting effective math and literacy instruction, and moving forward with plans for prekindergarten classroom space and staff.

Superintendent Amy Hediger said the budget increase “reflects a combination of rising fixed costs, contractual obligations, and targeted investments in student support and school operations.

“The goal is not growth for its own sake, but stability and sustainability in a system that continues to experience higher complexity in student needs and rising operational costs,” she said.

To raise the local funds needed, a taxpayer will pay $75.56 in Poland, $23.21 in Mechanic Falls, and $28.93 in Minot for each $100,000 of property valuation.

If approved, the budget would take effect July 1.

Voters will also be asked to accept a no-interest loan from the state to improve air quality and ventilation in the district’s school. Under the agreement, the district would have to repay 42% of the $6 million over 10 years.

Work on the ventilation and HVAC systems will be done in Poland Regional High School, Bruce Whittier Middle School and Poland Community School, all in Poland, and Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls.

The total cost of the upgrades is $8.94 million. The school board moved forward on a supplemental bond totaling $2.94 million on April 13 to add to the state’s $6 million loan.

“These systems are reaching or have exceeded their useful life in several buildings,” Hediger said. “Without this funding, necessary upgrades would either be delayed or would require a much greater local investment over time. Approval ensures we can move forward with improving learning environments, addressing air quality concerns, and reducing the risk of unexpected system failures.”

Hediger said the state loan, if approved, would add $50,000 to the proposed budget for 2027 and work would start as early as the summer of 2027.

According to the district, if the loan is not accepted, the funding will not be available for at least five years.