Voters in Lewiston on Tuesday rejected a proposed school budget for the second time.

Unofficial results provided by the city clerk showed the spending plan was rejected, 1,387-1,630.

Residents first rejected the spending plan in May. Since then, the school committee shed $500,000 from its previous proposal – reducing its technology funding by $100,000 and slowing the rollout of its special education program by slashing funding by $150,000.

However, in a non-binding advisory question on Tuesday, 1,699 voters indicated the proposed budget was too high, 886 voters found it acceptable, and 383 indicated it was too low.

"When I look at the increase from last year, I thought the proposed increase was much higher than it should’ve been," said resident Marc Dubois, speaking Tuesday morning at a polling place at Governor Longley Elementary School.

Resident Claire Boulet said there's different ways the school committee can get what they need without a high price tag.

"I understand why they want it to go through, but you have to think of the big picture also," said Boulet. "I think they can take care of the kids and do all that without it being so high."

Voter turnout was low in Lewiston, as it was reportedly elsewhere in Maine, on Tuesday. Less than 3,000 out of nearly 30,000 registered voters – or 9% – cast a ballot in the city.

"We need to get back to work," Superintendent Jake Langlais said in a statement after the results were made public. "We are hopeful the process will be rooted in our mission, vision and strategic priorities."

Langlais said the school department will work with city staff and officials on timeframes for budget work and another referendum.

Speaking Tuesday morning, resident Joel Burian said it was important to provide services to students.

"It's important to make sure we have an appropriate education," Burian said. “I realize funding is going to be a concern, but it’s important to support the schools.”