KENNEBUNK — Around 180 residents of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel gathered together in the Kennebunk High School Gymnasium for the annual district budget meeting, voting on the fiscal year 2016 operating budget as well as transfers to the capital reserve fund. All warrant articles were overwhelmingly approved, and will be sent to the voters for approval on June 9.

The district budget meeting is the first step of the public approval process, requiring a majority of those present to approve the budget divided into cost centers, funding sources, and the adult education program. Residents later vote on the budget as a whole in a referendum held in all three towns in the regional school unit. The budget as a whole passed with a vote of 164 in favor and one against.

The final warrant article approved allowed the School Board to move up to 75 percent of the undesignated fund balance from the previous fiscal year to the Capital Reserve Fund. It was approved by the Select Board in the board’s last meeting as a corrective measure, giving the board more available cash to maintain facilities and avoid the situation they find themselves in now ”“ lumping renovations for three schools into a large municipal bond. According to the RSU 21 warrant, the Maine Department of Education recommends school districts spend 2 percent of their physical plant valuation on maintenance.

School Board Member Jeffery Cole was often the sole opposing vote, voting against all the warrant articles save the last three. He said his opposition stemmed from rising costs as well as a dispute with the procedure used to develop the budget ”“ claiming that the budget was developed by the administration rather than the finance committee of the school board.

School Board Chairperson Maureen King said she was gratified by the public approval of the budget and encouraged those assembled to vote on the crucial renovation bond in June.

“I would like to thank everyone for coming out this meeting: I appreciate your support of the school district ”¦ you can also vote on the renovation bond ”“ please get in touch with the principal or get in touch with the superintendent’s office.”