Manatee school board approves budget

The Manatee County School District finally has a 2011-2012 operational budget.

By a 3-2 vote, the Manatee County School Board approved a budget that slashes $14.04 million. Those cuts include a 3% salary cut for teachers and 5% cut for employees with higher salaries.

The board also approved Superintendent Tim McGonegal's reorganization plan, which eliminates or holds vacant nearly 30 positions and saves $1.8 million.

Board members Julie Aranibar and Karen Carpenter dissented.

Download a PDF of McGonegal's entire plan here.