Downey : School District Budget Includes 4.1% Pay Raise

The Board of Education of the Downey Unified School District on Tuesday approved a $51.2-million budget for the 1988-89 school year that includes 4.1% raises for district employees.

The budget anticipates spending $48 million on general operating expenses. The remaining $3.2 million is budgeted for building improvements, including expansion of the district’s administration building, said Peter Hardash, director of financial services. The district projects that it will end the year with a $2.5-million surplus.

Last year, the district spent $44.2 million on general expenses. The majority of this year’s increase will pay for salary raises and the rising cost of medical insurance, Hardash said.

The district plans to reduce its personnel costs by about $680,000 this year through attrition. Hardash said about 15 positions will not be filled as they become vacant.