SPS board approves fiscal 2013 budget

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education on Tuesday approved its fiscal 2013 budget with projected revenues of $212.4 million and $213.4 million in expenditures. The budget was approved by a 4-2 vote.

The district will use roughly $1 million from its operating revenues to offset the difference, according to a news release.

Last year, the board approved a fiscal 2012 budget with operating revenues of $208.4 million against expenditures of $208 million.

The fiscal 2013 budget includes $1.5 million for what the release called highly critical needs, including:

• $680,000 to adopt communication arts curriculum for grades K-5 and math curriculum for grades 6-12;
• $300,000 for major facility repairs; and
• $132,000 for online courses and extending the number of schools using the Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility classrooms at Morris Conservation Education Center within Bass Pro Shop's White River Conference Center, according to the release.

The budget also earmarks $7.1 million for salaries and benefits - pending collective bargaining agreements in July - and $900,000 to add teaching staff to keep up with expected enrollment increases.