The Lake Washington School District Board of Directors has proposed a draft budget for the 2014-15 school year that includes an increase of 6.7 percent in revenues, rising from $256.3 million to $273.4 million in the general fund. That increase results in additional state revenue to fund basic education. It also includes increased revenue related to added enrollment and other factors.

The increase includes $5.3 million due to enrollment increases, $2.5 million in increased levy receipts, and $7.8 million in new state revenue. However, expenditures also increased by about 5.1 percent, including an additional $3.8 million for staff to meet the increased enrollment. Other costs are increases in staff compensation, health care and pension costs, along with money for specific programs from grants and self-supporting programs.

In the end, the district plans about $8.5 million in new expenditures.

Highlights of the budget include staffing to provide training and professional learning for employees. That area was heavily cut in 2009 when the state significantly reduced funding for schools. The additions include 10 professional learning coaches, who will work with teachers at all grade levels across the district. In addition, four literacy coaches will work specifically with elementary schools. These additions are aimed at the district’s goal to recruit, hire and retain highly effective personnel.

Other additions that focus on the goal area of safe and innovative learning environments include funding for five additional school nurses, two mental health/social workers, plus additional grounds and custodial staff and equipment.

The board will hold a public hearing Aug, 4 where the public will have an opportunity to provide input to the board about the budget. The board vote on the budget following the hearing.

Comments on the proposed budget may be emailed to board@lwsd.org or mailed to Lake Washington School District, PO Box 97039, Redmond, WA 98073-9739.