Gorham school officials will discuss the proposed school budget with the Town Council in a workshop at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, in the Gorham Municipal Center, 75 South St.

The School Committee on April 29 unanimously approved a $30.2 million budget that includes $535,572 in federal stimulus money. Without the stimulus, this year’s proposed school budget would have been identical to last year’s $29.6 million budget.

In the proposed budget, the state’s general purpose aid was expected to rise from $16.8 million to $16.9 million, representing an increase of $551,179. The budget represents a decrease of $345,179, or a 2.7 percent drop, in the local share to be paid by Gorham taxpayers.

The local tax rate to support education in Gorham would drop 28 cents, from $10.40 to $10.12 per $1,000 of valuation. The decrease would represent a $56 reduction in taxes for the owner of a home valued at $200,000.

As passed by the School Committee, the proposed budget cuts 15 positions, representing the equivalent of 4.3 teacher positions including about two full-time classroom teachers. Last year, 23 positions were reduced.

The one-time federal stimulus funds weren’t budgeted to save jobs. Superintendent Ted Sharp believed next year’s budget would require more reductions in force.

School Committee member Marie South is concerned about future cuts in staff.

“We can’t continue to sustain this,” South said after the School Committee passed its proposed budget.

The Town Council is expected to vote on the budget on Tuesday, June 2, and voters will be asked to approve the school budget in a validation referendum on Tuesday, June 9.