Salem - Voters narrowly approved a $14.9 million budget during a referendum Wednesday.

The budget, which passed by 19 votes, has been a source of controversy in town for the past few months. Parents have raised objections to the Board of Education's $10.5 million budget, accusing them of mismanaging their funds by spending too much on school administration while cutting items like math textbooks.

The Board of Finance put up a comment box during Wednesday's election and received 89 responses, more than they've ever gotten before, said board Chairman T.J. Butcher. Many comments "reflected a general unhappiness with the Board of Education," he said.

It was "a very telling election," said Butcher. The Board of Finance will review the comments and pass them along to the appropriate boards.

First Selectman Kevin Lyden said that although the vote was close, he is pleased that the budget has passed.