Windham-Raymond schools are proposing the biggest budget increase in the history of the district, which consolidated in 2009.

“I think everybody in the region is at a place (where) you can’t continue to cut and provide the service,” said Assistant Superintendent Donn Davis, who noted that more than 70 positions have been eliminated in recent years.

Residents at a public budget meeting Wednesday approved the proposed 2014-2015 budget of $41.1 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 3.5 percent, over the current year.

It will go to a district-wide vote on June 10.

A 5 percent increase in health insurance costs accounted for $450,000 in additional spending, Davis said.

Students going to charter schools and an increase in students going to vocational schools added $131,000 and $112,000, respectively.

If the budget is approved, the annual tax bill on a $250,000 home would increase by $34.32 in Windham and $87.39 in Raymond, Davis said.

The district, also known as Regional School Unit 14, has about 3,300 students in seven schools.

Leslie Bridgers can be contacted at 791-6364 or at:

lbridgers@pressherald.com

Twitter: @lesliebridgers

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