Lewiston, ME: "SPED accounts for bulk of requested [school budget] increase"

May 13, 2025, WMTW, Portland: Lewiston school budget passes by 14 votes 

In a closely watched local decision, Lewiston voters have narrowly approved a $116.7 million school budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The budget passed by just 14 votes, reflecting both community support and concern as the district faces rising enrollment and mounting education costs.

A total of 1,608 ballots were cast, representing 6.7 percent of the city's eligible voters.

The approved budget represents a $7 million increase from the previous year and will primarily go toward staff salaries and special education services. According to school district officials, nearly three-quarters of the budget is allocated to staffing, while special education accounts for the bulk of the requested increase. These areas, they say, are essential to meeting the growing and diverse needs of the student population.

Enrollment in Lewiston schools is currently driving the need for additional resources. School leaders have emphasized that without this level of funding, essential programs and services could face cuts, potentially affecting student outcomes and support systems.

The tax impact of the approved budget will result in a 2.15% increase for local taxpayers — a point of contention for some residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. Despite that, the budget passed on the first vote this year — a notable shift from last year’s budget process, which required three votes before a reduced version was finally approved.