WALES — It took voters three tries last year before they passed an $18.79 million school budget.

This year, the board is expected to recommend a budget of $18.72 million before the matter goes to the voters once more in June.

A public hearing will be held May 24 at which residents of Litchfield, Sabattus and Wales will be given a chance to question details of the budget.

The referendum election will be held June 13.

The draft budget calls for the following:

• $6.35 million for regular instruction;

• $3.69 million for special education;

• $2.44 million for student and staff report; and

• $2.38 million for maintenance, among other items.

The board is expected to adopt the spending plan Wednesday, May 24, at the Oak Hill High School gym.

Last year, voters rejected the original RSU 4 budget of $18.9 million in June and a reduced budget of $18.8 was rejected in July.

This year’s proposed budget has been reduced by $7,000 as a result of a cut in Superintendent Jim Hodgkin’s salary.