City Council Plans Budget Hearings Amid Potential Funding Veto Concerns

The Lewiston Public Schools School Committee convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss several key issues impacting the district, including budget considerations, school safety, and upcoming community events.

The meeting opened with a discussion on the potential implications of a people's veto that could affect state funding for schools. A committee member highlighted that if 67,000 signatures are collected by June 18, the veto could pause state subsidies from July 1 until a vote on November 8. This situation raises concerns for school districts, as it could halt funding for municipalities and various projects, emphasizing the importance of community awareness regarding the petitions being circulated.

Next, the city council representative provided updates, reminding attendees of the final budget hearing scheduled for May 6, which will cover both the city and school budgets. The proposed budget includes a $1.02 increase to the mill rate, translating to just over a 3% increase overall. The new city administrator, Brian Kanrath, will begin his role on May 5, with meet-and-greet opportunities for the community planned for the following days.

The committee then moved on to updates from subcommittees. The ad hoc schools behavior safety subcommittee held its first meeting, with plans for further discussions. The facilities subcommittee reported on an upcoming facilities assessment starting on Wednesday, along with plans to upgrade the playground at McMahon School and ongoing roof replacement work.

Community announcements highlighted several upcoming events, including prom on May 17, a top 10 luncheon on May 8, and graduation ceremonies scheduled for May 30. Additionally, an adult education graduation is set for May 1, and a referendum will take place on May 13.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future agenda items, including a review of improvement plans and exploring partnerships for student reentry programs. The committee acknowledged a backlog of agenda items that require attention, particularly around goal setting and policy discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community engagement and proactive planning as the school district navigates funding challenges and prepares for significant events in the coming month.