Cape Elizabeth passes $38.7M school budget

[](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/election-2026/) _[Read all of our coverage](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/election-2026/) of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the [Maine Political Report](https://www.pressherald.com/mprnewsletter/) in your inbox or [text messages](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/11/maine-political-news-sent-right-to-your-phone-sign-up-for-text-alerts-from-our-editor/) from politics editor Kirby Wilson._ Cape Elizabeth voters passed a $38.7 million school budget by a vote of 2,767 to 1,001. The budget represents a 8.37% increase in the school portion of the tax rate, and the overall city tax rate is estimated to increase by 7.13%, according to Town Manager Pat Fox. The Town Council and school board unanimously voted to support [this budget](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/09/4-things-to-know-about-cape-elizabeths-school-budget/) earlier this spring.  The school department navigated increasing labor and insurance costs while receiving $162,000 less state funding than expected, according to Superintendent Chris Record. There were no educational program cuts or reductions in any filled positions, he said.   Serena and Mark Casey, who both grew up in Cape Elizabeth and moved back 40 years ago, said that the school budget is acceptable but too high as they left the polls at Cape Elizabeth High School midway through Election Day.  “People are always going to complain,” Mark Casey said. “I’m fine with supporting the schools. It’s a good investment in the community, and it’s a good investment in your property value.”  Copy the Story Link Tagged: [election 2026](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/election-2026/) [](https://www.pressherald.com/author/dana-richie) [Dana RichieStaff Writer](https://www.pressherald.com/author/dana-richie) Dana Richie is a community reporter covering South Portland and Cape Elizabeth. Originally from Atlanta, she fell in love with the landscape and quirks of coastal New England while completing her undergraduate. [More by Dana Richie](https://www.pressherald.com/author/dana-richie)