Although costs are up, there wasn't much AOS 93 could do about it, Superintendent Steve Bailey said Wednesday, May 21.

During the secondary education town meeting Wednesday, May 21 all articles were passed, including the $1.27 million dollar budget for the upcoming year.

AOS 93 includes students from Bremen, Bristol, Damariscotta, Jefferson, Newcastle, Nobleboro and South Bristol.

Last year's budget for secondary education was $1.157 million, meaning this year's total represents a 9.7 percent increase.

While there was an increase in the budget, Bailey said the increases were beyond the district's control.

“There will be an increase in the number of enrolled students (starting in fall 2014),” he said. “We'll also have to spend more on special education in the coming year for grades nine through 12. That's what's making up the bulk of the increase; almost every thing else decreased.”

The fiscal year 2013-14 budget for special education was $155,733, while the cost for the upcoming fiscal year will be $199,984 — an increase of approximately 28 percent.

School Board member Sally Farrell said in any given year the percentage of special education students is approximately 28 percent of the student population.

What special education details can vary greatly from student to student, Ferrell added, saying that it varies from specialized classes to out-of-district expenses.