BIDDEFORD — Earlier this month, the Biddeford School Committee gave initial approval to a $33.6 million budget for fiscal year 2015.

This is nearly $1 million more than the current budget, which ends June 30. However, because of additional revenue, the increase to Biddeford taxpayers, who have the final say on the budget, will be only $35,000, or approximately 0.16 percent.

Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray said he hopes voters will approve the budget when they go to the polls on June 10, saying an increase of “$35,000 onto the taxpayers is a pretty good budget.”

One of the ways the school district is getting new revenue is through partnerships with the towns of Dayton and Old Orchard Beach, which are bringing in an additional $133,000. Dayton and Biddeford signed an agreement under which Biddeford’s school superintendent and central office will service Dayton schools, while Dayton and Old Orchard Beach school districts will also share Biddeford’s food service director, Sandy Lewis.

“While other RSUs in the area are breaking, we’ve found ways to partner with other school districts,” said Ray.

Other areas of additional revenue include carry forward funds from the current budget of $479,000, which is $300,000 than last year.

There is also a significant amount of state subsidy that will be put toward the budget.

According to budget documents, some of the major increases include: salaries, at $382,000; health insurance at $198,000; year two of the purchase of iPad tablets for students at $93,000; restored, off-set and necessary positions at $86,000; and the purchase of two new school buses for $161,000.

The state will reimburse the district for the school bus purchase, said Ray.

In addition, existing school services will be maintained with the passage of this budget, he said. In fact, several positions will be added to the school department.

These include an additional special education teacher for the department’s in-district program; a retirement in the business office will be replaced by a human resources staff member; and the department will also add a drug and alcohol counselor to serve grades 6-12.

“We need a lot of help for our students on drugs and alcohol,” said Ray.

He said the district intends to apply for federal grants so that younger students and their families can also be served.

Ray said residents should support the proposed school budget.

“We’ve managed our money well,” he said.

A second reading of the budget, when the school committee decides whether to give final approval, will take place April 29. A public hearing on both the city and school budget will take place May 5 at 7 p.m. at the Biddeford High School Little Theater.

The city council will vote on the school budget on May 15 and May 28.

Residents will get the final say at public referendum on the school budget that will take place June 10.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.