New Budget Tops $26.8 Million

(TMrdofaSsíi) More than three-quarters of Ann Arbor District expenditures go for instructional costs, according to figures f rom Controller William Wade's office. In the 1972-73 budget, $20,401,776 or 76.05 per cent of the budget expenditures are for instruction. The percentage is consistant with figures from previous years. Instructional costs, as defined by the State Department of Education accounting manual, consist of activities dealing directly with or aiding in the teaching of students or improving the quality of teaching. Salaries of teachers, principáis, consultants, and guidance and psychological gersonnel are included as instructional costs. Instructional expenses also include: textbooks, teaching supplies library books, office supplies, travel expenses and mileage aUowance and rental of eCjuipment used in conjunction with the instructional program. Salaries make up the largest part of the total school budget. According to administrative sources, 73.13 per cent of all the school tax dollars go for salaries for instruction. Salaries for all personnel comprise 88.32 per cent of the budget. The average salary of an employé in the Aiíñ Arbor Educat(f Association (AAEA) this year is $14,861, not including fringe benefits, Wade said. Ten years ago the average salary for teachers was $6,678. A frequently criticized part of the budget is that labeled "administration." In 1972-73 some 3.49 per cent of the expenditures of the district are for administration. This represents a decrease from 1971-72 when expenses for administration comprised 3.95 per cent of the budget. The year before, in 1970-71, administrative costs were 3.05 per cent of the budget. According to the Controller's Office, the school district has budgeted 1.94 per cent or $519,845 for busing for 1972-73. Transportation, expenses include personnel and supplies needed to provide safety busing and trans portation for students living outside the city limits but attending Ann Arbor District schools. The cost of operating school buildings, including cleaning, heating, lighting, moving furniture and caring for grounds and buildings, comprises 9.29 per cent of the district budget this year. Expenses for operations are estimated at $2,494,310. Maintenance of school grounds, keeping the grounds, building and equipment at their original condition through repairs or replacements, is budgeted to receive 3.43 per cent of the district's revenues, or $919,088. ,. .Community services, including adult education, Recreation Department expenses, and the public library, comprise 2.34 per cent of the budget. The estimated amount the district will spend this year for community services is $627,212,according to Wade. Miscellaneous expenses, including health services, student services, and fixed charges, comprise 3.46 per cent of the budget. Administration officials are developing a series of program cuts which would be necessary if the 11.66 milis is not approved by voters June 11. The list of cuts is expected to be presented to the Board of Education by the end of this month.