WINDSOR -- Residents will get another chance to vote on the school budget proposal at a special town meeting.

The meeting is 10 a.m. Saturday at Windsor Elementary School.

The school budget is now $13,000 less than originally proposed in June, when voters passed the budget at a town meeting but later defeated it by six votes at referendum.

This time, the referendum vote by secret ballot will be open on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Town Hall. Absentee ballots are available at the Windsor Town Office.

Town Clerk Sarah Cunningham said the School Committee and the Budget Committee both met last week and unanimously agreed to reduce the budget by $13,000.

With the $13,000 reduction, Superintendent Greg Potter said the total spending package for the coming year is now $4,961,781.

Potter said he is optimistic voters will pass the budget now that the school board made additional adjustments.

The board reduced special education by $9,389 because the special-education director is now part-time; and reduced systems administrations, which is the superintendent's office, by $3,611. The office changed the finance manager's position to part-time.

"There's been a reduction based on recent developments at the school union office and special education," Selectman Jerry Nault said. "The reason for the reduction reflects reality at the present time, which is good."

Potter said the Budget Committee and School Committee unanimously recommended passage of each of the spending articles on the warrant that will be presented to voters on Saturday.

"At this point, they agree on the articles," Potter said. "We'd love lots of participation. Hopefully, we'll be able to get our budget passed."

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com