POLAND — Regional School Unit 16 directors approved the revised $28.8 million budget Tuesday night.

They shaved off over $556,000 from the initial $29.3 million that voters rejected June 11.

Directors met June 26 to vote on a similar revised budget but tabled a vote due to criticism from staff on cutting the librarian position at the Minot Consolidated School to half-time. The budget presented Tuesday night keeps the librarian at full-time.

Newly appointed Superintendent Amy Hediger explained the adjustment was made possible by allocating $31,000 from the Local Entitlement of the Special Education grant toward salaries and benefits.

Other cuts include:

• Capital Improvement Plan, $113,000.

• Educational technician positions at Poland Regional High School, $78,811.

• District nurse, $74,275.

• Administrative assistant to superintendent, $87,000.

• K-12 technology coach, $104,000.

• Assistant superintendent shifting to curriculum director, $23,761.

Hediger said the estimated tax impact on a property valued at $100,000 would be $157 more in Mechanic Falls, $129 more in Minot and $199 more in Poland.

The next step in approving the budget is the district meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, in the Poland Regional High School Auditorium where residents from all three towns will vote on individual spending articles.

The single-question validation referendum is scheduled for July 30.