Lewiston Public Schools School Committee Meeting 5/18/2026

The Lewiston Public Schools School Committee held a meeting on May 18, 2026, primarily focused on budget discussions following the rejection of the previous budget referendum. The committee reviewed proposed budget reductions totaling approximately $1.169 million, including cuts to special education administrator positions, multilingual coach positions, and librarian staffing. Members debated the impact of these reductions on student support and educational outcomes, with some expressing concern about potential inequities and loss of momentum in student progress. The committee ultimately voted to approve the superintendent's budget recommendation with the proposed reductions by a vote of 8 to 1. Additionally, the committee discussed new policies related to the use of credit cards, temperature standards in schools, and a state-mandated ban on student cell phone use during school hours, which passed after considerable debate. The meeting also included updates on grant applications, facilities maintenance RFPs for HVAC and fire alarm work, and reminders about upcoming budget votes and public engagement efforts.