Biddeford Voters Approve $49.8 Million School Budget

Strategic Insights -

Biddeford voters decisively approved the proposed $49.8 million school budget on Tuesday, reflecting a 5.39% increase over the current year's budget. The approved budget will lead to an 81 cents increase in the tax rate, reaching $15.03. A median home assessed at $382,350 will experience an annual property tax of $5,747, representing a 5.7% increase from the previous year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed $49.8 million school budget was approved by Biddeford voters, marking a 5.39% increase over the current year's budget.
  • The tax rate will increase by 81 cents, reaching $15.03 per thousand dollars of valuation.
  • A median home assessed at $382,350 will have an annual property tax of $5,747, representing a 5.7% increase from the previous year.
  • The budget allocates funds for staff salaries, health insurance, and an updated math and reading curriculum.
  • The district anticipates adding several new positions in the fiscal year beginning in July, including a new English language learning teacher and a full-time science, technology, engineering, and math teacher.
  • Superintendent Jeremy Ray noted that creating the FY26 budget presented "unprecedented challenges" due to the significant increase in Biddeford's valuation and the resulting decrease in state funding.
  • Ray emphasized the challenges posed by the shift in funding responsibility, stating that the district must maintain educational quality while being mindful of taxpayer impact.

Statistics:

  • The approved budget is $49.8 million, representing a 5.39% increase over the current year's budget.
  • The tax rate will increase by 81 cents, reaching $15.03 per thousand dollars of valuation.
  • The annual property tax for a median home assessed at $382,350 will be $5,747, representing a 5.7% increase from the previous year.
  • The district anticipates adding several new positions in the fiscal year beginning in July, including a new English language learning teacher and a full-time science, technology, engineering, and math teacher.

Sources:

  • BDN (Maine) - "Biddeford voters approve $49.8 million school budget"
  • Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine) (Copyright 2025) - "Biddeford voters approve $49.8 million school budget"