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Eagle Point schools budget is up 3.3% EAGLE POINT -- The school district's budget committee got its first look Thursday at a proposed $24 million spending plan for the coming school year, but most of the work and deliberations have been completed. Each one of the district's nine schools -- and a soon-to-be 10th school -- already have worked out budgets for 1999-2000. Several years ago, the district shifted to a site-based management system that makes each school -- staff, parents, community members and students -- largely responsible for decision making. That system includes deciding how to spend money, says district finance director Mark Sorensen. After the budget committee finishes, the districtwide budget will go on to the school board for a public hearing in June. Sorensen said the total budget is up about 3.3 percent from the current year, largely the result of growth and anticipated growth in the district. The plan is based on the lower of two state funding plans under debate in the state Legislature. Lawmakers have proposed a $4.7 billion appropriation to Oregon public schools over the coming to year, and Gov. John Kitzhaber has proposed about $4.95 billion. If a sum larger than $4.7 billion comes through, Sorensen said, the district makes budget additions. State funding accounts for roughly 70 percent of district revenue. The biggest change for the district in the coming year will be the start of a charter school in Lake Creek. A school is expected to open in the small community east of Eagle Point by Christmas. The $750,000 school building project is to be paid by a new appropriation from the state. Eagle Point is getting additional state revenue because Lake Creek students live so far from other district schools. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA