GORHAM

Expanded kindergarten included in school vote

Residents decided Tuesday to finally add a full-day kindergarten program in their schools by approving the eduation budget for 2014-2015.

The $536,00 cost to upgrade from a half-day program was part of a $1.2 million increase in the $34.2 million school budget that residents passed 1,040-383.

Other additions include $40,000 for capital projects and security; $111,000 for charter school tuition and $87,500 for a science, technology, engineering and mathematics program at the high school.

The department was also able to save $150,000 by not filling positions vacated by retirements.

The budget for the district, which has 2,666 students and five schools, will raise the tax rate by 22 cents per $1,000 in assessment, adding $55 to the annual tax bill of a $250,000 home.