RANGELEY — A public hearing on the proposed $5,899,935.67 Regional School Unit 78 budget will be held Tuesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, 43 Mendolia Rd.

The proposed 2025-26 budget reflects an increase of $181,795, or 3.18%, over the budget for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.

There are some changes in salary costs due to a 3% wage increase for teachers and support staff, an increase of $69.914 over the existing budget, according to Superintendent Georgia Campbell’s letter to district residents.

“This budget reflects what is needed for the upcoming year to best meet the academic and social-emotional needs of our students as we strive for improved academic performance,” she wrote.

There is a decrease of $2,151.13 over last year in health and dental benefits due to changes in staffing.

“The adjusted state contribution is $339,023.63, a decrease of $40,809.85 over last year due to a slight decrease in enrollment and the cost of special education,” she wrote.

The district is a minimum receiver of state subsidy, Campbell added.

Other changes that impact the budget include:

• American Rescue Plan grant funding ended, which is reflected in some increases in academic supplies, books, dues and fees, and technology hardware.

• An increase in tuition reimbursements due to a number of teachers entering graduate programs. The district is contractually required to cover some of the related costs.

• The addition of a part-time special education director/part-time special education teacher in place of a special education teacher

• Addition of Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave tax, as required by law.

A budget validation referendum will be held at the polls in Rangeley and Dallas, Rangeley and Sandy River plantations on Tuesday, June 10.