Saco voters approve $59.9M school budget

Saco Residents Back School Budget in Strong Referendum Turnout

Saco residents voted decisively Tuesday to approve a $59.9 million school budget for the upcoming fiscal year, signaling broad support for the district's spending priorities despite a significant increase in costs.

With nearly 4,900 voters casting ballots, the results showed more than 76 percent backed the budget proposal. About 1,050 voters opposed it, while roughly 120 others left the budget question blank on their ballots.

The approved spending plan represents an increase of approximately $2.7 million compared to the current year's budget—a jump of about 4.74 percent. Superintendent Jeremy Ray noted that the increase will translate to a tax hike of nearly 10 percent for Saco property owners.

Two primary factors drove the budget increase. Rising staff salaries and benefits account for a substantial portion of the additional spending. The city also faces higher tuition costs at Thornton Academy, a private school that educates some Saco residents at public expense. That tuition increase alone added roughly $1.1 million to the budget.

Tuesday's voter turnout exceeded typical levels for a municipal election, suggesting the budget question drew considerable community attention. The referendum outcome provides the school district with clear direction as it moves forward with its spending plans for the coming year.