Voters in Saco, Dayton and Old Orchard Beach voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to approve a $43.2 million school budget after two previous attempts.

The budget was approved by 71 percent of voters in the three communities that make up Regional School Unit 23. In June, voters rejected a $43.6 million budget, then in July they said no to a $43.5 million budget.

The $43.2 million budget is about $1.8 million less than last year’s and represents a net decrease in spending of nearly $400,000. The district received more than $1 million in additional state funding, but also faced a $4.7 million revenue loss.

Staff reductions under the new budget include reducing to part-time a central office assistant and principal at Loranger Middle School in Old Orchard Beach.

Also eliminated were a part-time Title I teacher at C.K. Burns School in Saco, a part-time education technician at Fairfield School in Saco and a bus driver, all positions that are now vacant.

The school board also eliminated $431,500 from various departments, including transportation, supplies and bond refinancing.

School Board Chairman Gary Curtis of Old Orchard Beach said he was happy voters decided to support the budget.

“The fact that the budget passed by a 71 percent to 29 percent margin shows that the majority of folks in the district recognize the work done by our teachers, administrators and support staff needs to be supported,” he said. “Teaching our young people to become educated members of our communities will now go forward with the full attention of our dedicated staff of professionals, support staff and concerned and involved parents.”