PARIS — After Maine School Administrative District 17’s second operating budget was defeated during a districtwide referendum vote last week, directors on Monday set about developing a third budget to present to voters.

The new budget proposal will be for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, replacing the original proposed budget of $51.5 million. The original budget was validated for referendum May 14 but then was voted down during June 11 elections.

Board Chair Troy Ripley of Paris said state law allows school districts to continue to operate with the previous year’s budget until residents of the eight towns in SAD 17 approve a new budget for the upcoming academic year, which starts Aug. 28.

Budget discussions were set to resume during a Budget Committee meeting scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Ripley encouraged all directors to attend if they were able.

Directors also approved the lease purchase of a new phone system to be installed at all SAD 17 facilities. The cost of the system is $129,480 and will be financed through Androscoggin Bank at a rate of 5.59%. The current communications system has been in use for the last seven years and has reached the end of its usefulness.

In other business, the board approved two revised policies brought by the policy committee. One was a first reading of Policy IJOA Field Trips and Other Student Travel, which was first presented last March but was sent back to committee for revision to include language regarding transportation scenarios involving competitive events. The revised first reading was approved.

The second reading for Policy JICH Substance and Alcohol Use by Students was also approved. According to Director Judy Green of Waterford, the policy was last updated in early 2017. The policy was revised with the help of Oxford Hills Middle and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High school administrators and substance abuse counselors, as well as community partners of Healthy Oxford Hills.

Superintendent Heather Manchester reported that staff from all schools and district departments are preparing for the start of school later this month.

She said that the Streaked Mountain School is relocating from Main Street in Paris to space at Oxford Plaza on Main Street in Oxford. With ample space available, Oxford Hills/Nezinscot Adult Education is also moving its offices there from OHCHS.

Replacement of OHMS is moving onto the next planning phase when the Building Committee recommences regular meetings at the Central Office on Aug. 22, starting at 4:30. As part of next steps, the committee is starting a search for possible real estate locations between 30-40 acres.