Lewiston Voters Reject $130 Million School Budget Amid Tax Concerns and Citywide Frustration

LEWISTON, Maine – Lewiston voters on Tuesday rejected a proposed $130 million school budget, sending district officials back to the table after a high-turnout election shaped by concerns over rising taxes, a recent citywide revaluation, and growing frustration over the direction of Maine’s second-largest city. The vote was 1,463 no to 1,092 yes.

The proposed school budget failed at the ballot box despite already including significant reductions. The spending plan represented an 8 percent increase over the previous year and was driven by inflation, staffing costs, and specialized education needs.

The rejection comes as Lewiston continues to face broader challenges, including crime, gun violence, poor leadership, and concerns over mismanagement. For many taxpayers, the school budget vote became another flashpoint in a city already struggling with public safety, affordability, and public confidence.

The failed budget had already cut 26 positions, including social and emotional learning teachers and technology coaches. Still, voters were not convinced the proposal went far enough.

Property taxes were a major concern heading into the vote, particularly after a recent citywide revaluation left many residents worried about the impact on household budgets. The combination of higher assessments and a school budget increase proved too much for voters who said the district and city needed to find additional savings.

Now, the Lewiston School Committee and district administration must rework the spending plan and send a revised budget back to voters in a future referendum. That process could involve further cuts as officials attempt to arrive at a number taxpayers view as more palatable.

The vote follows a familiar pattern in Lewiston. In 2024, school budget proposals also faced resistance before eventually being reduced and approved.

Tuesday’s rejection now leaves city and school officials with a difficult question: how to fund the needs of Lewiston’s schools while convincing taxpayers that local government is listening, cutting where it can, and managing public money responsibly.