In the second go-round for the Regional School 21 budget, the district’s voters cast their ballots in favor of the $35.6 million proposed education budget Tuesday and chose school board candidates.

Despite failing in Arundel, the budget won a majority of votes from the district’s three towns combined, with 1,662 residents voting in favor of, and 1,219 voting against.

Arundel residents voted 189 yes to 368 no; Kennebunk, 1,024 yes to 675 no; and Kennebunkport voted 449 yes to 176 no.

Of the school board candidates elected for three-year terms, Diane Robbins was chosen to represent Arundel with 376 votes to Leia Lowery’s 198 votes. Kevin Knight and Arthur Leblanc both won seats for Kennebunk, with 749 and 1,042 votes, respectively, to beat out Robert Higgins’ 728 votes. For Kennebunkport, Maureen King won a one-year term with 372 votes against Alicia Kellett’s 185 votes.

Brad Huot of Kennebunk, with 965 votes to Edward Karytko’s 660 votes, will hold a one-year term on the 14-member board to take the place of Ed Geoghan.

The budget was reduced by $100,000 after the Finance Committee reported to the school board that health insurance costs for school employees would be raised 6 1/2 percent, rather than 10 percent, which was estimated during the last referendum on May 24.

“We have to estimate that each year because the budget is developed prior to those numbers coming to us from Anthem (insurance company),” said Andrew Dolloff, superintendent of schools, at the June 6 school board meeting.

In addition to lowering costs, approximately $668,000 of the budget will be paid for by the district using undesignated funds to decrease residents’ taxes.

“I don’t think they cut enough out of the budget,” said Beth Gillespie of Arundel, adding that she voted for Diane Robbins for school board because she believes Robbins will speak well for the people of Arundel.

“I didn’t vote for the budget because it’s much too high,” said Michael Frost, resident of Arundel. Frost said he voted for Arthur Leblanc and Brad Huot for school board because of how personable they are.

Others thought the school board did all they could to cut down costs.

“I voted for the budget because I believe that education is important,” said an Arundel resident who declined to give her name. The woman said she has grandchildren in the RSU 21 system and that its unfortunate the towns have to pay such a high cost, but that it’s worth it for the kids.

From the budget, Arundel property owners are estimated to see an increase in taxes of $59.87 per $100,000 in property value, Kennebunk $16.45 and Kennebunkport $8.41.

Among the articles passed will be funding for regular instruction costs, transportation, technical education and facilities maintenance.

The budget was forwarded to the referendum after voters accepted the it during the RSU 21 budget meeting June 7.

— Staff Writer Matt Kiernan can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 326, or at mkiernan@journaltribune.com