Lewiston superintendent proposes 30 position reductions and a 12.4% local ask as budget shortfall narrows

Superintendent Jake Lang told the Lewiston School Committee on March 9 that his superintendent’s budget would total about $130.5 million and — to avoid a roughly $6.5 million local increase — includes proposed reductions that remove 30 positions from the district staffing plan, 23 of which are currently filled. “I say this with a heavy heart,” Lang said, adding that many of the cuts would affect staff who work with students daily.

Lang walked members through the revenue assumptions and state subsidy formula (ED279/EPS), noting an increase in state subsidy this year but persistent local tax burden. The superintendent said the proposal relies on $3.5 million of unassigned fund balance (reported at about $7.1 million) and estimates the district’s local request would amount to a roughly 12.39% increase. He emphasized that the school committee—not administration—ultimately decides what lands in the committee’s budget to send to the city and then to referendum.

Committee members pressed for details about which jobs were on the proposed reduction list and when impacted employees would be notified. Lang said he would provide a specific list of positions and supervisory recommendations at the next budget meeting: “Wednesday, I intend to share with you what those specific positions are,” he said, and confirmed affected staff are being notified.

Lang and finance staff also outlined major cost drivers: transportation (an expected $2.5 million increase tied to a new contract), energy costs (about $750,000), workers’ compensation (a large actuarial increase districtwide, roughly in the seven‑figure range), nutrition program shortfalls ($100,000), and salary/benefit increases driven by step and contractual raises. The superintendent highlighted the district’s heavy reliance on state subsidy — approaching 70% of total revenue — and explained how changes in subsidy weights for economically disadvantaged students or special education could change the district’s picture if enacted at the Legislature.

Staff described revenue-side assumptions including projected MainCare (Medicaid) reimbursements and a conservative $500,000 estimate for interest revenue that currently posts to city accounts. Lang said the district is exploring ways to capture interest earnings now held by the city to reduce local ask.

Lang closed by stressing public timelines: the school committee’s version of the budget is expected to be presented to the city on April 7, the city council will vote on May 5, and the local referendum is scheduled for May 12. He urged committee members and the public to prepare for outreach and noted Wednesday’s meeting will include a breakdown of proposed position reductions and other cost‑driver details.

The meeting did not include a formal vote on the budget proposal; the superintendent presented his recommended starting point for committee deliberation.