PORTLAND, Maine — For the first time, Portland City Council publicly weighed in on the school district's proposed $161 million budget for the 2024-2025 school year.
During a meeting Thursday night, some councilors shared positive feedback on the proposal.
“I really, really, really appreciate the focus on operations and staff," Councilor Anna Bullett said, who also questioned if the budget allotted enough money for classroom supplies.
"It's concerning to me and I want to make sure there is a plan in place to make sure the teachers have what they need in the classrooms," Bullett added.
As is, the budget would bump the school's portion of the city tax bill up by 6.85%. At the meeting, some leaders said some taxpayers would struggle to afford this.
“There are many individuals who feel their capacity to pay more has been significantly challenged by all sorts of economic pressures,” Portland Mayor Mark Dion said.
Anna Trevorrow was among several councilors who shared concerns over proposed staff cuts, which include 12 special education positions.
“I just know the value from those particular positions to students who have particular needs," Trevorrow said.
Portland Superintendent Ryan Scallon said the district is facing growing expenses while losing millions in funding.
“We’re very much in the mix of continuing to work on the budget and to update because this budget has been particularly challenging,” Scallon explained. “We're trying to minimize the impact that it has on students.”
Councilors are scheduled to vote on the budget in May. Voters will then have the final say in June.