School Administrative District 6 directors were expected to meet Wednesday evening to determine their next step after district voters failed to approve a portion of the school budget Tuesday.

Although voters authorized the $38.8 million budget, Article 4, which is included in the total sum, didn’t pass. Article 4 asked for $1.5 million in additional local money above the allocation of $35.3 million allowed under the state’s Essential Programs and Services formula.

The budget also includes a $1.4 million carryover and $600,000 for local, annual debt payments not covered by the state.

Karen Connary, a director from Buxton, said Article 4 didn’t ask for money in addition to the $38.8 million budget (Article 5) voters authorized. “I think it’s confusing,” she said.

Connary said voters in Standish, Limington and Frye Island rejected Article 4, causing it to fail district wide. She said Article 4 lost by only 51 votes.

Options for SAD 6 could be to send Article 4 back to voters or resubmit a new budget. The SAD 6 towns also include Hollis and Buxton.