Turnout for today's vote on Portland's proposed school budget is "extremely low," said City Clerk Linda Cohen. The first-time referendum on the school budget is required by the state's new school consolidation law.

The $89.5 million school budget proposal for 2008-2009 would eliminate 48 positions - 28 left vacant this year and 20 scheduled for cutting in the coming year. The total budget reflects a 4.5 percent increase in spending over the current year.

The ballot asks voters to approve or reject the part of the school budget funded by local and state taxes. It reflects spending in 11 areas, including regular instruction, special education, administration and transportation. That amount totals $85.5 million, according to school department officials.

Under state requirements, all K-12 expenditures are reflected in the budget going before voters, said school Business Manager Herb Hopkins. The ballot total does not include programs funded by state and federal grants, individual donations, or Adult Education, city officials said.

If voters approve the school budget, the City Council will vote to pass a final budet for all city departments May 19. If voters reject the school budget, additional referendums will be held until it passes.

Voters from Buxton, Hollis, Limington, Standish and Frye Island are scheduled to vote on the SAD 6 budget referendum today. South Portland voters also voting on their school budget referendum today.