GRETNA, La. (AP) - Jefferson Parish school officials are proposing a $404 million budget for 2012-2013.
The Times-Picayune reports the proposal takes into account recent moves to close schools and cut staff to offset rising costs.
The board plans a public hearing on the budget July 25 at Alfred Bonnabel Magnet Academy High in Kenner.
The largest slice of the budget in employee compensation for employees - more than $329 million.
School consolidation and streamlining of central administration reduced the number of jobs in the district by 153 and saved $4.8 million in salaries, officials say.
That was just one of many variables affecting different aspects of revenue and expenses. A third consecutive year of salary freezes saves $7.2 million. At the same time, the state imposed an additional $7.5 million in costs.
"The presented budget supports the plans for the school system but we have little leeway," Acting Superintendent James Meza wrote in his budget message.
Meza recommends the School Board approve the budget.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
