LEWISTON — The School Committee approved a $1.70 tax increase in a split 5-3 vote Monday.
Voting in support were Ward 1 representative Bruce Damon, Ward 3 representative Elizabeth Eames, Ward 4 representative Tanya Whitlow, Ward 7 representative Paul Beauparlant and at-large representative Megan Parks. Ward 2 representative Janet Beaudoin, Ward 6 representative Meghan Hird and City Council representative Linda Scott voted in opposition.
Ward 5 representative Ashley Medina was not present.
Those voting in opposition said they felt the increase was far too high for the City Council and taxpayers to support. Scott said she could support a $1.34 property tax impact, but not a $1.70.
The approved budget will include several items previously proposed for reduction, including $500,000 from out-of-district special education tuition, $50,000 for The Store Next Door, one school nurse and two elementary social emotional learning positions.
An additional $800,000 was included for an anticipated increase in out-of-placement special education program tuition due to possible emergency rule change by the state.
Superintendent Jake Langlais will present the budget to the City Council at 5:30 p.m. April 11 in the City Council Chambers.
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