MEA developed this guide to help your local engage effectively in the budget process and strengthen its ability to support the passage of budgets that reflect community values.
Navigating the school budget validation process can feel overwhelming because every community and district has its own rules and timelines. However, because the process requires public input, there are many opportunities for you and your local association to speak up, offer feedback, and help shape a budget that truly supports your students and schools. Your voice matters, and it can make a real difference in ensuring every student gets the education they deserve.
It is helpful to understand how a school budget moves from proposal to final approval through what is known as a two‑step validation process, meaning the budget must pass two separate approvals before the school district may spend the funds.
For communities with municipal school districts, the budget must first be approved by the town or city council and then, in most cases, by voters at a referendum. In Regional School Units (RSU) or School Administrative Districts (SAD)—which serve multiple towns—the budget is approved at a district budget meeting and then finalized by a district-wide referendum.
As you read, watch for the megaphone icon. It highlights key opportunities for you to get involved and make your voice heard.
→MEA members were at the State House advocating for an increase in school funding from the state.
South Portland educator Connie Disanto (pictured below) spoke with legislators about the challenges districts are facing under current budget proposals and shared how those decisions impact students and staff.
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For a step-by-step breakdown of the school budget process, watch MEA’s Director of Government Relations, Jan Kosinski here:
