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Council approves Lewiston School Department budget; referendum scheduled May 13
Summary
The Lewiston City Council voted 6‑1 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026 school budget and forward it to a public referendum scheduled for May 13. Superintendent Jake Langley and school committee members presented the budget; councilors urged voters to participate and noted the challenges of enrollment and state funding uncertainty.
The Lewiston City Council on May 6 approved the Lewiston School Department’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget by a 6‑1 roll call and set the school budget for a public referendum on May 13.
Superintendent Jake Langley thanked the school committee for several weeks of review and said the committee worked to balance district needs and taxpayer concerns. Councilors acknowledged pressing challenges for the district, including rising enrollment and uncertain state and federal funding, and encouraged voter participation in the May 13 referendum.
Public commenters raised concerns about school climate and oversight; David Rachmills, a Ward 1 resident, urged the district and council to address student safety and to hold a transparent, civil community dialogue. Councilor Chittum reminded voters of the referendum date and hours: “May 13… folks can vote from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.”
The council recorded the roll call vote; the motion to adopt the school budget passed 6‑1 and the council noted absentee ballot procedures and deadlines following the vote.
