LIVERMORE FALLS — Residents of Livermore, Jay and Livermore Falls on Tuesday approved an $18.6 million school budget for 2015-16. The vote was 247-200.

The town totals were: Livermore, 87-65; Jay, 195-106; and Livermore Falls, 65-29.

“I’m really grateful to all of the voters of the Spruce Mountain School
District for the support of the students and educational community with
their positive referendum vote,” Superintendent Kenneth Healey said.

Voters also passed an article calling for $275,000 to install an elevator at Spruce Mountain High School in Jay and one calling for $108,000 to replace bleachers at Griffin Field. The new bleachers will be handicap accessible.

The town votes on the elevator were: Livermore 70-82; Jay, 185-117; and Livermore Falls, 52-42.

The town votes for the bleachers were: Livermore, 75-77; Jay, 159-140; and Livermore Falls, 50-44.

Healey said if additional funds are needed for the bleachers, the board will look into a short-term lease/purchase agreement.

“I’m really grateful to all of the voters of the Spruce Mountain School District for the support of the students and educational community with their positive referendum vote. I’m very happy,” he said.

Livermore Falls spokeswoman Amanda Allen and Livermore Administrative Assistant Carrie Castonguay said Tuesday’s turnout was considerably lower than usual for a one-issue election.

The approved budget is about $241,000 less than this year’s. Healey said the lower figure is the result of six teachers retiring and their positions being eliminated.