The proposed $62.5 million budget for Kennebunk-area schools is up about 8%.

The proposal, $3.3 million more than the current budget, would increase school tax bills in Kennebunk by about 7.6% on top of any property tax resulting from the town budget. The portion of the Kennebunk property tax rate to support education would increase by 27 cents, resulting in $11.37 in taxes per $1,000 of a property’s valuation.

In Kennebunkport, school tax bills would increase by about 9.4%, meaning residents would pay $3.98 per $1,000 of a property’s valuation, up from $3.66 for the current year.

In Arundel, school tax bills would increase by about 7.7%, meaning residents would pay $11.59 per $1,000 of a property’s valuation, up from $10.53 for the current year.

“This budget reflects our commitment to providing quality education while addressing rising costs in key areas,” Regional School Unit 21 Superintendent Dr. Terri Cooper said. “We have worked diligently to minimize the impact on taxpayers while maintaining the educational programs our students deserve.”

The budget prioritizes workforce development, student needs and infrastructure enhancements.

Other cost drivers include increases in staff salaries, benefits and non-labor expenses related to special education.

According to Cooper, those include out-of-district tuition, system administration, and transportation, and are largely the result of contractual labor agreements, insurance premiums set by the MEA Benefits Trust, and the legal requirement to provide services to students with an Individualized Education Plan.

Benefit costs are expected to increase by about $1.1 million. Much of the increase will cover health insurance expenses.

“These increases have been partially offset by position reductions and contracted custodial services,” Cooper said.

At the preliminary budget presentation on March 17, some residents said they were concerned about the increase in cost for taxpayers.

“The money in this budget comes out of the pockets of the stakeholders in the community,” Kennebunk resident Beth Fossett said. “I want the board to remember that.”

The Finance Committee will now take on additional budget update responsibilities, and the second reading of the proposed budget will take place on April 14.

The annual budget meeting will take place on May 5, and voters will decide on the budget during the June 10 referendum.