Biddeford voters approved the proposed $49.8 million school budget on Tuesday. The vote was 589 in favor and 245 against, with 7 responses left blank.

The fiscal year 2026 budget is up $2.5 million, or 5.39% over this year’s budget, and was approved by the Biddeford School Committee on April 30.

With approval of the budget, the tax rate will increase by 81 cents, bringing the total up to $15.03. This means that a median home assessed at $382,350 will have an annual property tax of $5,747, up 5.7% from this year.

Cost drivers for the school budget include staff salaries, health insurance and an updated math and reading curriculum.

The district anticipates adding several new positions in the fiscal year beginning in July, including a new English language learning teacher, as well as a full-time science, technology, engineering and math position and a full-time special education secretary.

Creating the FY26 budget this spring presented “unprecedented challenges,” Superintendent Jeremy Ray said.

The primary challenge is the significant increase in Biddeford’s valuation, which resulted in decreased funding from the state. With Biddeford property values deemed higher, the state believes the city is in need of less funding, and taxpayers are expected to pay more in taxes to fund the Biddeford school system. However, many families are unable to do so, Ray said.

“This substantial shift in funding responsibility presents unprecedented challenges for our budget planning process as we work to maintain educational quality while being mindful of taxpayer impact,” Ray said.