September School Board Meeting - Budget

The Pinellas County School Board held its second budget review meeting Tuesday, September 9th at 5 p.m.

The board reviewed the 2008-09 annual budget, which totals $1.6 billion.

The budget is less this year than last year, but is costing local tax payers more. Funding from the state has decreased significantly. 40% of funding is coming from the state, the other 60% is coming from local taxes. Taxes have increased 13%.

The largest set of spending is operational. The operational budget is over $900,000. Operations include daily district operations, salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits are 80% of the operational costs

Although Pinellas County enrollment is declining, this year the board will construct over 200 classrooms in 33 schools, due to the class size amendment. The amendment has required the district to increase the number of teachers and classrooms, increasing the operational budget.