BY MORNING SENTINEL STAFF

WINSLOW--School committee members on Monday gave final approval to a proposed $14.3 million 2008-09 budget.

Though more than $500,000 has already been trimmed over the past few months there could be more changes to come, said Assistant Superintendent Gary Smith. The town council has scheduled two public readings for May 12 and June 9, during which figures within the budget can be changed.

Voters will get the final say during a referendum scheduled June 10.

The $14.36 million budget is up $217,000, or 1.5 percent, from this year, Smith said.

The state funding formula, or Essential Programs and Services, requires the district to raise more than $3.1 million in property taxes to support k-12 education.

But the school committee also hopes to raise an additional $1.8 million, or $1.5 million more than the state's funding model, through local taxes.

Winslow is seeking more local money because of reductions in state and federal funding. Changes in Medicaid rules will mean about $300,000 less federal money next year.

The state assistance is expected to tumble another $200,000 due to a variety of factors, including funding for essential programs and services that will drop to 54 percent next year, Smith said.

Moreover, costs for regular and special education, and other instruction categories, as well as administration, transportation and facilities maintenance, will exceed the funding level set by the state.

State funding could have dropped even more. Most communities have fewer students attending their schools, but Winslow saw a 1 percent increase.

"That ultimately helped in funding because it's student change and (town) valuation change that determine state funding," Smith said.

Winslow's state-determined valuation increased 7 percent.

School officials had originally hoped for a $14.9 million spending plan, but town officials urged the school committee to shave about $500,000.

School and town officials worked together to craft the budget approved Monday, Smith said.

The only major casualty of those cuts was the alternative education program at Winslow High School, but school officials have said they are confident the high school in more traditional fashion will be able to meet the needs of the six or seven students expected back from the program next fall.

Craig Crosby--487-3288

ccrosby@centralmaine.com