Residents of the communities that make up Regional School Unit 18 will take a final vote on the $37.58 million education budget for 2018-19 when they go to the polls next Tuesday.

The spending plan, which was given initial approval by voters at the district’s annual budget hearing, is $1,347,294, or 3.72 percent more than the current fiscal year’s budget. The increase is being driven largely by the payments the district will make on the principle and interest of the $13.9 million bond voters approved in November.

The front entrance at the Belgrade Central School is one of the first projects slated for improvements financed by the $13.9 million bond voters approved in November. Staff file photo by Joe Phelan

The Oakland-based district is using $10 million of the bond to finance facilities work, including getting its 11 buildings up to state fire safety standards. The bond also is financing the construction of a $3.9 million athletic complex that will include lighting, an eight-lane track, renovation to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a multi-sport artificial turf field.

The combined payments will total $1,989,334 for the fiscal year.

Another significant increase in the school budget goes toward special education. The $4,016,061 slated for special education is $269,884, or 5.72 percent, more than the current year.

Salaries for teachers, education technicians, administrators, support staff and substitute teachers is also seeing an increase. The $21,013,828 slated for instruction is up by $437,910, or 2.13 percent for 2019.

Anthem Health insurance costs are also rising next year. The $5,250,687 to be appropriated for insurance is up by $294,760 or 5.95 percent.

The amount of funding that will be raised by each municipality will be:

• Belgrade, $5,009,706.74;

• China, $3,401,234.23;

• Oakland, $4,308,825.75;

• Rome, $1,335,087.01;

• Sidney, $3,187,846.

In Belgrade, polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Office on Augusta Road; in China, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the portable building across from the Town Office on Lakeview Drive; in Oakland, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Williams Elementary School on Pleasant Street; in Rome, polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Community Center off of Route 225; in Sidney, polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Office on Middle Road.

Emily Higginbotham — 861-9239

ehigginbotham@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @EmilyHigg

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