supplemental budget for the Portland Public Schools.
“Passage of the referendum is critically important,” said Portland Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk. “The Maine Legislature shifted $1.4 million in teacher retirement costs to our local district. The legislature also increased our state aid, by $1.9 million. We need voter approval in order to spend the aid on teacher retirement costs and other expenses. Otherwise, we will be forced to cut $1.4 million from our current year’s budget, which would require major staff reductions.”
Caulk stressed that the supplemental budget will not require an increase in Portland property taxes since all of the money is coming from state aid.
Both the Portland City Council and the Portland Board of Public Education unanimously approved the supplemental budget. In addition to covering teacher retirement expenses, the $1.9 million would pay for charter school costs, restore some essential positions that were cut earlier this year and add positions that will enhance student learning.
“We are working to create a first-class educational system in Portland that supports children from preschool through college,” said Portland Mayor Michael Brennan. “Adequate funding for the Portland Public Schools is a crucial part of that effort. I encourage all residents to vote ‘yes’ on September 4.”
All polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m tomorrow. Residents can register to vote at their polling place.
Superintendent Caulk noted that the referendum coincidentally falls on Portland’s first day of classes for students in first through 12th grade. He urged parents to “drop your kids at school and head to the polls.”
For school budget information, please visit http://www2.portlandschools.org/school-budget. See a video about the referendum at http://youtu.be/nK2x53SFNVg. For information about voting, please visit http://www.portlandvoters.com/ or call 874-8677.
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