$11.1 million
is added to
school budget

Revenue is higher than
anticipated, Cayetano said in
announcing the increase

By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

Gov. Ben Cayetano today announced he is adding $11.1 million to the public schools budget for the upcoming 1998-99 school year.

"Our revenues have doubled what the Council of Revenues projected and we're left with $30 million or so," said Cayetano today.

In a news conference, Board of Education Chairwoman Karen Knudsen thanked the governor for his commitment to education. "We're grateful he was able to come up with this."

The additional funds will allow the department and new Schools Superintendent Paul LeMahieu to enter the upcoming school year without facing major cuts to current services, she said.

Cayetano said he has spoken to leadership in the House and Senate for their commitment to releasing the money.

"You have my pledge to go to the Legislature and ask them for emergency appropriations to make up for the shortfall as a resource for frontloading these monies," Cayetano said.

While the school board has final approval over the use of the funds, Cayetano recommended restoring funding:

For the purchase of school instructional materials, $2.5 million.

For the purchase of supplies and equipment for all DOE schools and offices, $5.8 million.

To offset costs and avoid fee increases for the A+ afterschool program, $2.8 million.

Knudsen said the board will consider the governor's recommendations.