Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor voters approved the first of two public votes for the Community School District (CSD) proposed $12.1 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year. At the annual budget meeting April 28, around 70 residents passed the 18-article warrant.

The $12,153,371 budget is a $745,958 (6.5%) increase from FY25-26. There will be a budget validation referendum Tuesday, June 9, before it’s finalized. Residents will vote at their respective town offices. Boothbay is responsible for $8,165,413, about 67% of the cost allocation, which is a $427,608 (5.5%) increase from last year. Boothbay Harbor is responsible for $4,043,396, a $338,640 (9.1%) increase.

The budget is also funded by $2,416,400 in revenue, including $1,368,087 in tuition and $973,412 in state subsidies.

All articles passed without amendment. However, residents sought more information. Elliot Schwartz of Boothbay asked for clarity on the cause behind the 13.8% increase for special education. CSD School Committee member Jennifer Whitney explained that it reflects both staff salaries/benefits and support services for students. While she could not provide the exact figures for the CSD, she said the need for special education has risen in surrounding districts.  

Schwartz also questioned the 69.7% increase in debt service, and Whitney responded that that was due to the recent approval of the $30 million renovations at the elementary school, as well as the $1.6 million repair bond for both schools.

Article 13 sparked tense conversations among several residents due to confusion over the state-mandated wording, which made it sound as though the state would provide only about $100,000 in funding.

In reality, Maine’s Essential Program and Services (EPS) formula allotted $6,107,126.26. Whitney explained that to receive that state funding, the CSD must raise additional funds that exceed the EPS figure, which the CSD recommended at $6,232,126.26. The article passed 62-11 by secret ballot.