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RSU 20 board to pursue zero‑increase budget and November referendum after failed vote
Summary
After two failed budget articles, the RSU 20 board recorded referendum tallies, directed administration to prepare a zero‑increase budget for an anticipated Nov. 4 referendum and set an accelerated timeline for public explanation and warrant signing.
At its regular meeting, the Regional School Unit 20 Board of Directors accepted and recorded the results of the district referendum and instructed administration to prepare a 0%‑increase budget to present to voters in November.
The board recorded town tallies read at the meeting: Searsport — yes 90, no 82; Stockton Springs — yes 84, no 107; total yes 174, total no 189. After reading the results, Superintendent Laura Miller thanked voters and asked the board for direction on the next steps.
Board members and administrators said the current draft budget stands about $240,000 above fiscal 2025 and outlined options to narrow the gap, including not filling existing vacancies and consolidating assignments where feasible while avoiding layoffs. Administration told the board those adjustments could bring the budget to a zero‑increase posture and recommended a timeline to meet election deadlines.
Under the proposed schedule, administrators will return with a detailed, adjusted budget at a special Aug. 26 meeting, hold a district budget meeting for public explanation Sept. 24, and place the revised budget on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot; warrants would be signed Sept. 9 and results accepted Nov. 5. Board members asked administration to coordinate with town managers and selectboards to explain why a district 'zero' change can produce different town impacts because of valuation and mill‑rate mechanics.
The board moved and seconded a directive to prepare the 0% budget; discussion continued and next steps were set by consensus. The board did not record roll‑call tallies in the transcript for that motion and handled votes by voice.
The board also scheduled a half‑hour public budget review at 6 p.m. before the Aug. 26 meeting and a workshop/retreat where budget messaging and public materials will be refined.
