The Fulton County Board of Education gave tentative approval on May 17 to a $1.1 billion total operating budget for the 2012-13 school year. 

Instruction – at nearly 68 percent of the general fund – remains the largest allocation of the budget, with the remaining 32 percent budgeted for pupil transportation, maintenance and operations and other administrative functions. 

Decreased state and federal funding coupled with an increase in local fair share funding have made funds tighter for school systems, and in response, Fulton tightened its belt over the past several years and implemented cost-saving measures, such as increased class sizes. However, the FY 2013 proposed budget keeps class sizes the same.

The proposed budget also provides funding for an anticipated 700 additional students and the teachers, support staff and equipment needed for the replacement Banneker High School and new Cambridge High School opening in August.

It does not include any staff reductions or furlough days for employees, and if the suggested 18.502 millage rate is approved, there will be no millage increase for homeowners. Although the proposed budget doesn’t provide a salary increase, earlier this year employees were granted a one-time payment ranging from $250 to $1,000.

Final adoption of the budget is expected June 5.