Residents in Cumberland and North Yarmouth will decide a $34.9 million budget to fund School Administrative District 51 next year.
The budget referendum will be held June 14.
The proposed budget is 3.5 percent, or about $1.1 million, larger than last year, according to the district administration. In a May 5 letter to residents, Superintendent Jeff Porter said the bulk of the increase is reflected in employee salaries and benefits. Major spending items were two new staff teacher positions, investment in technology, new classroom furniture, greater support for students with learning and behavioral needs, and purchases of a new school bus and maintenance truck, according to Porter. The district’s per-pupil cost is $11,225.
After factoring in revenue from state education aid and other sources, taxpayers in Cumberland and North Yarmouth will pay for approximately $22.5 million of the budget. The tax increase is approximately $620,000 from last year. Cumberland residents with a home valued at $350,000 will have to pay $70 more in taxes next year if the budget is passed. A North Yarmouth resident with the same house value will pay $66.50 more next year, according to the district.