School board votes to adopt budget tonight

More than a week after postponing it, the Manatee County School Board will vote to adopt its budget in a final public hearing tonight. 

Last week, Rick Mills, Manatee County School District superintendent, pushed the school board to reschedule adopting the 2013-14 budget because the public did not have enough time to review it.

The final $568 million budget has been available for public view on the district's website since Sept. 8.

The district says the final budget includes little change from July’s tentative budget. 

Changes include the addition of 85 teachers required by increased enrollment, an adjustment discussed at a public hearing Aug. 29. 

Tonight — one day before the state deadline for school districts to adopt budgets — the 5:45 p.m. public hearing, 215 Manatee Avenue West, will be the last time the public can speak on the budget. 

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].