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LRTC costs rise; Auburn’s share tied to state subsidy changes, officials say
Summary
At the March 11 budget workshop, LRTC representatives said the FY27 budget is $5,834,323 for 25 programs serving 810 students; committee members were told Auburn’s higher cost share reflects state subsidy calculations and increased equipment/material costs for new programs.
Auburn School Committee members heard March 11 that the Lewiston Regional Technical Center (LRTC) budget for FY27 is projected at $5,834,323 to cover 25 programs serving about 810 students, and that Auburn’s FY27 cost share will be $31,891. Matt West presented the career-and-technical education budget and the ED279 subsidy breakdown.
Nut graf: Committee members pressed whether Auburn’s rising share is caused by a larger state-subsidy gap or by a higher Auburn student share. Presenters said most of the change stems from state subsidy calculations, while some program costs are rising because of materials and new equipment for added programs such as landscaping.
West said the subsidy portion (ED279) covers the majority of LRTC costs and the remaining balance is apportioned across sending districts based on student counts; Auburn’s share increased as the total program cost and state subsidy changed. Committee members asked whether Auburn’s new high school factored into the increase; presenters said the primary driver was state subsidy and program cost changes rather than a change in Auburn’s internal capacity.
Discussion included how member districts split the cost-sharing formula and that new equipment and material costs can drive year-to-year increases that affect sending-district shares. No formal action was taken on the LRTC item at the workshop.
Sources: Matt West presentation, Auburn School Committee special meeting, March 11, 2026.
