Voters rejected Maine School Administrative District 58’s 2026-27 budget Tuesday by a 51-vote margin, 576-525.

The amended budget for the next year, as posed to voters, was $13.21 million. SAD 58 covers Phillips, Avon, Strong, Kingfield and surrounding unorganized territories.

Three of four towns rejected the budget. Only Strong approved the plan, 187-178. It was defeated 158-132 in Phillips, 62-54 in Avon and 178-152 in Kingfield.

In a May public hearing, voters cut over $400,000 from nearly all aspects of the budget proposed by the district. The largest cuts were made to maintenance and special education. Among the 11 articles reviewed, voters left four as presented: career and technical education resources, extra-curriculars, debt service commitments, and other expenditures such as school lunches.

Prior to Tuesday, residents of the district were split on the proposed budget, with some urging voters to vote “no” on the referendum, requiring the proposal process to restart, while others remained satisfied with the amended budget.

Next up, the school board will have to revise the budget and it will be presented to voters in a special election.