OAKLAND — Regional School Unit 18’s board will meet again in July to consider a range of budget cuts from about $200,000 to $600,000.

During a special meeting Wednesday, the board initially approved about $200,000 in budget cuts, but then decided to schedule another meeting to take a closer look at the options, according to Elwood Ellis, board vice chairman.

Ellis said that the proposed budget cuts range up to about $600,000, and that all proposals would mean increased class sizes at Messalonskee’s middle and high schools. The proposals also would eliminate raises for administrators and custodians, and remove educational support services, according to Ellis.

The district was compelled to consider new budget cuts after voters rejected the $33,029,239 budget by 38 votes, 1,209-1,171, on June 13.

Ellis said that he favored the original budget and that critics don’t fully understand the effect that budget reductions will have.

“People say, ‘Cut the stuff that won’t hurt the kids,'” Ellis said. “There’s nothing that won’t hurt the kids.”

During the meeting, Ellis said he had received mixed messages from members of the public.

“Some of the public wanted to cut a million dollars,” Ellis said. “Some didn’t want to cut anything.”

The district includes Oakland, Belgrade, Sidney, Rome and China.

The board will meet again at 6 p.m. July 11 at Messalonskee Middle School to discuss the options further.

Matt Hongoltz-Hetling — 861-9287

mhhetling@centralmaine.com