THORNDIKE -- Voters from the 11 towns in School Administrative District 3 finalized the school budget for next year and approved accepting and spending money for construction costs during a meeting Wednesday evening.

Nearly 60 residents faced the school board and approved a $19,815,880 budget that will go before voters on June 10. The amount was amended to $65,000 higher than the board recommended.

Money for items and programs for the new school under construction, including a snow melt system for school walkways, athletic enhancement money from Future MSAD 3, a wind-turbine electrical system, a power generator and an indoor/ outdoor physical education program, was approved.

The 19 articles for budget expenses passed with an additional $65,000 added to the "students and staff support" article.

After repeated pleas to increase the amount to keep certain positions intact, voters approved the extra money. Guidance counselors, health technology, library services, student assessments and improvement of staff training are included in the article.

Several people spoke of how important some of the staff positions, including a home school coordinator, are to at-risk students.

Rosemary Pillsbury said staff reductions are hurting the students and threaten future citizens making a solid contribution to the local economy.

"Without these positions, students are put in jeopardy," Pillsbury said as she urged voters to approve more funding.

Her comments were applauded by many in the audience.

Other voters, including Raymond Shute, urged the board to rein in spending and stick with original funding requests, particularly in administration.