LIVERMORE FALLS — The preliminary 2014-15 budget for Regional School Unit 73 shows a nearly $284,000 increase over this year.

The $18.86 million spending plan was presented to the school board Thursday night.

Superintendent Robert Wall said Friday that the district recognizes its responsibility to have a responsible budget and to provide essential services to all 1,591 students.

“We want to promote the best education with the money we have to spend,” he said.

The board will begin work on the proposal at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the central office in Livermore Falls. It will review the figures for administration, Jay and Livermore elementary schools and Spruce Mountain Middle School.

On March 20, the board will look at the figures for transportation, facilities and maintenance, special education, Spruce Mountain High School, debt service, food service and adult education.

The board is expected to complete a final review on March 25 and act on a budget warrant March 27.

Wall said the board will take a good look at all the services offered.

“We will concentrate on our services and what’s actually needed to do the job,” he said.

Information not yet known includes the amount of general purpose aid to education and the number of staff members who may retire at the end of the school year.

He said no positions are expected to be eliminated at this time.

Residents of the district towns of Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls will vote on the budget April 8 at the middle school cafeteria. The figure approved will go to a referendum in each town April 29.