Oakland, Belgrade, China, Sidney and Rome voters pass a $34.6 million spending package Tuesday, as well as a bond issue for renovations several district schools and keeping the referendum approval process for the next three years.

The Office of the Maine Attorney General hosted Monday’s conference with support from the Maine Humanities Council.

The school system has more than $5 million in its fund balance, well over the amount state law says school departments should retain in such accounts.

RSU 18 superintendent Gary Smith is ‘optimistic’ about passage of this year’s $34.6 million.

Professors tell the trustees they feel left out of the process; the board approves a new $523.4 million budget that freezes tuition for a sixth year.