How School Budgets Get Approved in Maine

Two-Step Voting Process

In Maine, we have a special way to make sure school budgets are fair. It's called a "two-step validation process." This means the budget has to pass two different tests before schools can use the money.

The board uses a budget subcommittee to talk about how much money the schools need. The committee takes recommendations from the Superintendent who works with the principals and directors to develop several drafts of the budget. They look at things like how many teachers they need, what supplies to buy, and how to fix old buildings. The sub-committee takes direction from the full Board during these drafts giving direction on adjustments to reach a consensus.  They then set an ANNUAL BUDGET meeting for the communities to vote on a proposed budget - we completed this required step on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. This is step one! But the plan isn't approved yet.

Next comes step two. Everyone who lives in the town gets to vote on the budget in a special election. This happens on June 10th this year. People go to their regular voting places and mark "yes" if they like the budget or "no" if they don't. If most people vote "yes," then the budget passes! If most vote "no," the school leaders have to make a new plan and try again. This two-step process makes sure that both school experts and regular citizens get to help decide how to spend money on our schools.

Having two steps helps make sure that school budgets are fair and that the money is spent wisely. It gives everyone a chance to have their say about our schools.

Please visit the following town websites for more information on voting times and places.

Manchester: https://www.manchesterme.org/
Mount Vernon: https://www.mtvernonme.org/
Readfield: https://www.readfieldmaine.gov/
Wayne: https://www.waynemaine.org/

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