NEWPORT – The proposed SAD 48 budget, which is coming up for its first of two votes next week, is up by just 1.8 percent, SAD 48 business manager Kelley Carter said Thursday.

But even with hundreds of thousands of dollars in cuts, including 12 staff members and teachers, a loss of revenue has jumped the amount to be raised through taxation by $618,000, or 12.5 percent.

“It’s all because of a loss of revenue, not a budget that is out of control,” Carter said. “We have made tremendous cuts.”

The cut jobs include several teachers, assistant principals and secretaries. Carter said none of the positions was dropped because of attrition. Operation and maintenance of grounds was cut by $58,000, transportation was cut by $22,000, and special education lost $39,000. Repairs were cut by $162,000.

“We cut everything, from supplies, materials and books,” Carter said.

SAD 48 was a bit luckier than some districts. It will receive $16.8 million in state funding, which is $105,000 more than last year, just less than 1 percent.

Carter said the hardest hit of the six district communities will be Newport, Hartland and St. Albans, which all saw a major increase in their valuations. “St. Albans’ valuation alone went up 24 percent,” Carter said.

The two-step budget process required by state law this year will begin with a districtwide budget meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Nokomis Regional High School. There will be 17 articles for voters to decide.

Whatever action is taken at that meeting will be voted on again in each community during a referendum on June 10.

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