Maine Revised Statutes Title 20-A. Education § 1304. Meeting procedures

1. Election of moderator. The secretary of the board of directors, or when absent, the chairman of the school board, shall open the meeting and call for the election of a moderator, receive and count votes for moderator and swear in the moderator.

2. Appointing ballot clerks. The moderator shall appoint from the certified voting list the ballot clerks necessary for the efficient operation of the meeting. The clerks shall be sworn in by the moderator.

3. Budget consideration. The budget shall be thoroughly explained. The voters shall have an opportunity to be heard. The voters may change only items dealing with:

4. Approval. A majority vote of those voters present and voting shall be necessary for the approval of the annual budget.

5. Voting lists. Registration of voters for the annual budget meeting shall be held in each member municipality in accordance with Title 21-A, section 122.

6. Written ballot. An article must be voted on by written ballot if at least 10% of those present and voting vote to use a written ballot. The department, in consultation with municipal and school officials and with organizations representing those officials, shall develop and distribute guidelines to assist district budget meeting moderators in explaining and implementing this subsection.