Lewiston School Committee approves $129.7 million FY2027 budget, 8–0, sends it to referendum

The Lewiston School Committee on April 22 voted 8–0 to approve the school committee version of the fiscal year 2027 budget and directed Superintendent Jake Langley to prepare warrant articles for the May 12 referendum.

The vote followed a presentation from Langley outlining reductions and targeted restorations. He told the committee the package includes roughly $2.2 million in staff reductions paired with about $1.8 million in accounting adjustments and state bridge supplemental revenue, producing approximately $4.0 million in net adjustments. The recommended total is $129,710,257, with the local cost listed in the presented version as $34,054,001.76.

Committee members framed their approval against a backdrop of long‑running funding pressures and the city’s concurrent discussion of a property revaluation. Member Denton, who moved to approve the budget, said the district’s fiscal strain “is not due to mismanagement. It is due entirely to factors outside of the city’s and district’s control,” pointing to Maine’s funding formula and federal shortfalls for special education. Denton urged a robust public communications effort if the committee approves the package.

Councilor Hammond, reporting on the city council’s deliberations, said councilors appear likely to delay implementation of a property revaluation for at least a year so residents receive more advance notice. “It does seem like a majority of the council wants to push that off till next year,” Hammond said, adding that under state law the chief assessor ultimately determines timing.

Members pressed administrators for clarity about fund‑balance options and the practical limits on reserves. Langley cautioned that some reserves are restricted—he noted a roughly $3 million facilities reserve—and that drawing more from fund balance this year would increase funding gaps next year. He described an approach intended to smooth the multi‑year fiscal picture while preserving key student supports, including several positions funded by the EASE grant and librarian roles that were retained in the current version.

Several members expressed reluctance about cuts but said the current proposal preserves essential supports. Member Eames described the package as a reluctant compromise, saying the cuts were painful but acknowledging the committee had to present a fiscally responsible package that voters could support.

With no public speakers during the budget comment period, the committee took the motion, which was recorded as moved by Member Jensen and seconded by Member Gallant. The superintendent called a roll‑call vote; the result was 8 in favor, 0 opposed, with Member Bowden noted as absent due to illness.

Next steps: the city council is scheduled to consider the school budget on May 5, the committee will hold a town hall on May 7, and the referendum is set for May 12 (early voting also available). Langley and Assistant Superintendent Karen Paquette offered additional office hours for questions ahead of the council hearing.

The committee concluded the meeting by discussing scheduling and a possible goals workshop or short retreat to refine priorities outside the regular meeting agenda. The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote later in the agenda.