The Marshwood school district’s $37.8 million budget for next year will be put before South Berwick voters on Tuesday, June 11, along with primary election ballots for state and federal offices.
The only contested primary race is between Republicans Andrew Piantidosi of Cape Elizabeth, who formerly worked in sales and business development, and Ronald Russell, a retired U.S. Army veteran from Kennebunkport. Each is hoping to challenge Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree for her 1st Congressional District seat in November.
Tuesday’s school budget vote, officially the Budget Validation Referendum, is the last essential step in the school budget process as voters in the two member communities go to the polls.
The polls in South Berwick will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.
Eliot residents will cast their ballots at Marshwood Middle School, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. also on June 11.
The school budget, as recommended by the Marshwood school board, represents a 5.5% increase over last year. It was approved at the District Budget Meeting on May 13 by district voters after repeated efforts to reduce the spending were defeated, narrowly at first and then 123 to 63 as late arrivals crowded into the high school auditorium.
Numerous signs have been placed around town urging voters to defeat or pass the 2024-2025 spending package.
Sample ballots for the budget vote and state primary elections can be found at https://www.southberwickmaine.org/departments/town_clerk/
