Low turnout reported for Portland school budget vote

Portland Press Herald (update), May 13, 2008

(excerpt) Turnout for today's vote on Portland's proposed school budget is "extremely low," said City Clerk Linda Cohen. The first-time referendum on the school budget is required by the state's new school consolidation law.

The $89.5 million school budget proposal for 2008-2009 would eliminate 48 positions - 28 left vacant this year and 20 scheduled for cutting in the coming year. The total budget reflects a 4.5 percent increase in spending over the current year.

The ballot asks voters to approve or reject the part of the school budget funded by local and state taxes. It reflects spending in 11 areas, including regular instruction, special education, administration and transportation. That amount totals $85.5 million, according to school department officials.