The school Board approved a $409.4-million budget for East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s (EBRPSS) 2008-2009 fiscal year during a special meeting Monday evening, June 23.

Expenditures increased only slightly over last year’s budget, which totaled $381.6 million. In addition, revenues estimated at $374.4 million as compared to 2007-2008’s $385.3 million.

Highlights of the budget include the following:

• Ad valorem tax collections are projected to increase 5 percent ($5.6 million) during the upcoming fiscal year.

• Sales tax collections are projected to increase by $1.6 million, which is a conservative figure.

• The Medicaid Health Services funds should increase by about $1 million for the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment services the System provides.

• The majority of General Fund revenues continues to come from the state (about 42 percent of the total budget for 2008-2009), followed by property taxes, sales taxes, federal funds, other local revenue and other revenue.

• Expenditures will increase for instruction by $15.2 million.

• The majority of the total budget goes toward instruction, followed by plant operations and maintenance, appropriations, transportation, pupil support, school administration, instructional staff, buses and transportation and general administration.