The proposed LCS budget includes $700,000 for these activities which will be allocated to schools to lower the cost for parents. Each high school will receive $50,000 and each middle school will receive $25,000.

Superintendent Rocky Hanna said he wants to make it easier for students to participate in sports and arts programs. Also, Hanna said student participation in these activities is tied to better performance in the classroom and fewer discipline problems.

The budget also included a 15% increase in the LCS “minimum wage” from $9.59 to $11.09.

Other items in budget:

• Funds 22 school behavioral specialists to assist elementary schools with discipline issues.
• Funds 50 unarmed security monitors to aid in protecting campuses.
• Increases school supply budget by 25%.
• Adds $1 million to emergency reserve and fund balance.

The revenue to fund these items was, in part, due to an increase in student enrollment which generated an additional $5 million. Also, new revenue was generated by a $1 million cut in district level administration positions and salaries.

A public hearing on the budget will take place on July 31, 2018. The hearing is being held for the purpose of consideration and approval  of the 2018-2019 proposed tentative budget and required millage rates.