Manatee County School District boasts balanced 2013-2014 school year budget, surplus

The Manatee County School District continues its path toward recovery.

At its meeting July 22, the School Board boasted the feat of not only balancing the 2013-2014 school year's budget, but also the projected $3 million to $4 million surplus Superintendent of Operations Don Hall and the budget committee calculated.

The district started the year $8.6 million in debt.

"This budget is an amazing accomplishment," School Board Chairwoman Julie Aranibar said.

Hall also presented the district with a glimpse of the 2014-2015 school year budget, which he anticipates to ballpark $12. 5 million — an amount that satisfies the state's requirement of at least $10.3 million.

The school district has not met its fund balance since the 2009-2010 school year, Hall said.

The School Board will meet from noon to 2 p.m., July 24, to further discuss the budget. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

To view the budget, visit www.manateeschools.net/pages/SDMC.