REGION — Voters in Regional School Unit 78 will consider a $5.9 million district spending package for the upcoming fiscal year during a referendum vote on Tuesday, June 10. The proposed 2025-26 budget was approved at a districtwide meeting Tuesday, May 6.

The “yes” or “no” vote will be held at the polls at the Rangeley Town Office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dallas Plantation Town House and the Rangeley and Sandy River plantation town offices.

The proposed 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.

“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,” Campbell wrote in a letter to district residents.

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