What is Auburn’s proposed school budget and its impact?

The 2016-17 spending plan is $41 million, up from $39 million this fiscal year. Property taxes will go up because Auburn will have to pay a bigger share for education or lose state funding. 

Why is the budget going up?

* Auburn is facing an expected loss of $271,000 from the Maine Department of Education, because the state is cutting $20 million in school aid statewide.

* $312,660 more to cover rising health insurance costs.

* $589,548 set aside for teacher raises which include cost-of-living increases and step increases, as well as raises for teachers who received higher degrees.

* $160,000 for one and a half new teaching positions, plus an existing teaching position that was paid with federal money no longer available. The new positions will be one high school teacher who will teach English Language Learners half time and math or science half time, plus a half-time pre-kindergarten teacher at Sherwood Elementary School will become full time to accommodate more students.

* $123,243 for supplies for six elementary schools, the middle school, the alternative school and Edward Little High School. Of that, the high school would receive $100,859.

When do voters decide the budget?

June 14