Augusta voters passed a school budget Tuesday that will force steep cuts to services, handing conservatives on the City Council a victory despite local Democrats urging a “no” vote.
About 64% of voters approved a version of the budget backed by the conservative-led City Council that would cut more than 20 positions in Augusta schools. The council had agreed to place an advisory question on the ballot that gave city Democrats an opening to take the unusual step of endorsing a “no” vote on the school budget.
Even with $6.6 million in cuts, the council’s proposal would still result in roughly a 5% property tax increase for residents. Some voters objected to plans to eliminate several teaching positions, institute pay-to-play sports and cut the school’s Latin language program.
The cuts were the result of months of tense negotiations between councilors and the Augusta School Department. Costs in the district have risen due to technology and transportation expenses, as well as the cost of special education and accommodations for the city’s English language learners. Under the city’s structure, the council decides how much to raise for schools, but the school board decides how that money is spent.
Early in the process, when some councilors pushed for even steeper cuts, the district considered more drastic measures, including eliminating all bus service for high school students.
Superintendent Michael Tracy warned councilors in April that cuts beyond $2.5 million would be catastrophic to the district. A council majority ultimately directed $3.1 million in cuts to the school department, exceeding what Tracy had recommended as the limit.
School board Chair Martha Witham acknowledged the toll the process had taken at one lengthy and emotional board meeting this spring, saying the cuts under consideration at the time were “scarring.”
Tuesday’s vote was not the only outcome of note for Augusta Democrats. Nicholas Blanchard Sr., a right-wing provocateur who is suing the school board and is subject to a protection order obtained by a city councilor, lost his bid for a seat on the board. Democrat Gabi Berube-Pierce defeated him 2,577 to 1,258, capturing about 67% of the vote.
Daniel O’Connor is a Report for America corps member who covers rural government as part of the partnership between the Bangor Daily News and The Maine Monitor, with additional support from BDN and Monitor readers.