SAD 51

Towns approve 4.3 percent increase in school budget

Voters in Cumberland and North Yarmouth approved a 4.3 percent spending increase for School Administrative District 51 for the coming year.

Residents voted in favor of the increase by a 1,003-623 vote.

On June 5, residents of the two towns overwhelmingly approved the proposed $32.6 million school budget by a 57-6 public vote held at Greely High School, according to Cumberland Town Manager Bill Shane.

Tuesday’s referendum asked voters to approve a school budget proposal that’s $1.3 million higher than the current $31.3 million spending plan, according to budget documents. The increase covers a variety of additional spending for technology upgrades, curriculum changes and charter school tuition.