CATO - Without much public criticism Monday night, the Cato-Meridian School Board presented its $17.17 million budget, marking a 3.19 percent increase from this year's $16.64 million plan.

The increase creates a roughly 3.95 percent tax increase in the levy from $4.64 million this year.

Superintendent Deborah Bobo introduced the budget's theme, “Preparation for the 21st Century,” before discussing the additions to next year's proposed budget.

“We need to be getting our students ready for the job market,” Bobo said.

The $531,565 increase will cover the costs of adding staff members, a summer driver education program and an additional late day activity bus run.

Included in the budget are plans to hire a full-time high school special education teacher, academic intervention services mathematics teacher and a elementary school literacy coach.

If voters approve the budget, the board also plans to hire a part-time music teacher, guidance counselor and speech teacher.

The summer driver's education program will enable 24 students to take both their classroom and road driver's course through the school rather than through a private company at an estimated $3,500 budget expense.

“The school has listened to what the community wants,” Bobo said.

In an effort to increase involvement, school officials want to institute activity buses that bring students home later in the afternoon providing them the opportunity to participate in after-school activities. Officials estimated the additional bus runs would cost roughly $21,000.

“Additional buses will enable students to participate in activities if their parents work,” Bobo said.

Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net