The Wiscasset School Committee approved a $9.38 million 2019-20 budget submitted by School Superintendent Terry Wood Tuesday night. The budget will be presented to the select board on April 23.

Wood said she and her administrative team trimmed 3.93 percent from the budget largely through reductions and eliminations in staffing. The local share of the budget – $5.99 million – is $29,396 less than last year when voters raised a little over $6 million. Voters raised $6.14 million for the local share of school budget in 2017.

The budget includes $3,357,137 for regular instruction, 8.9 percent less than last year; $2,190,833 for special education, down two percent, and $229,488 for other instruction, a reduction of 6.39 percent.

The $791,628 sought for student and staff support is 7 percent less then last year.

Two lines that increased were system administration, $498,198, up 3.5 percent, and school administration, $503,583 that reflected a 6.1 percent increase. 

Other budget lines include $525,923 for transportation, down about one percent, and $1.2 million for school maintenance a drop of 4.1 percent from last year’s budget.

“I hope the townspeople will agree that we did our due diligence in preparing this budget,” commented Chairman Michael Dunn.

Wood noted it took her and her administrative team about four months to develop the budget. A public hearing will be held in mid-May. Voters will consider both the municipal and school budgets at the annual town election on Tuesday, June 11.

In other business, the school committee adjusted the school calendar. The final day of school for students will be June 19; the last day for teachers, June 20.