Cape Elizabeth passes $38.7M school budget

Cape Elizabeth residents have approved a $38.7 million school budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with voters supporting the spending plan by a margin of nearly three to one.

The budget passed with 2,767 votes in favor and 1,001 opposed, clearing the threshold needed to adopt the spending plan. Town Manager Pat Fox said the approved budget translates to an 8.37% increase in the school portion of the tax rate, pushing the overall city tax rate up by an estimated 7.13%.

The Cape Elizabeth Town Council and School Board both unanimously endorsed the budget earlier this spring before it reached voters.

Superintendent Chris Record said the school department managed to pass the budget despite significant financial headwinds. Labor and insurance costs rose during the budgeting period, and the district received $162,000 less in state funding than officials had anticipated. Despite those challenges, Record emphasized that no educational programs were cut, and no filled positions were eliminated.

"The department worked hard to present a budget that maintains the quality our community expects while being mindful of the financial impact on taxpayers," Record said.

At Cape Elizabeth High School, where residents cast their ballots, voters like Serena and Mark Casey said they supported the budget while acknowledging it comes with a notable price increase. The couple grew up in Cape Elizabeth and returned to raise their own families about 40 years ago.

"People are always going to complain," Mark Casey said. "I'm fine with supporting the schools. It's a good investment in the community, and it's a good investment in your property value."

The approved budget will take effect with the new fiscal year. Tax bills reflecting the increase are expected to be mailed to property owners in the coming months.