Santa Monica : Schools Budget Approved

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District board on Monday approved a $49.9-million budget for the 1989-90 school year, which exceeds last year’s by about $5.6 million.

Approved unanimously, the budget leaves reserves in the general fund of $1.3 million, down from last year’s $3.9 million.

Salaries of teachers, librarians, nurses and counselors account for $21.6 million, reflecting a 6.5% wage increase under a tentative agreement between the district and the Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Assn. Other large expenditures include $7.6 million for other salaries, $3.5 million for utilities and operating expenses, and $1.7 million for books and supplies.

The budget maintains existing programs without adding any major ones, Cohen said. Most of the district’s revenue comes from the state, which will provide less this year because of declining enrollment. About $1.5 million is expected from the lottery.

The board also approved 6.5% salary increases for principals, assistant superintendents and other administrators. Most of the elementary school principals will make about $57,000, up from $53,670, and most high school principals will make $69,300, up from $65,000, said Mark Karadenes, assistant superintendent of personnel. Karadenes’ salary will rise from $67,000 to $71,400.

The district will continue to pay for the administrators’ health and dental benefits, which have increased in cost by 11% to $3,955 per employee this year, Karadenes said.