The Early County School Board approved a tentative budget of $18,915,918 for the 2009- 10 school year at its June 25 meeting at the middle school.

Coming in at $910,418 less than last year, the $18.9 million operating costs reflect cuts in almost every area of operation for the system as well as an expected decrease of over $600,000 in state and federal funds. Budget cuts total over $900,000.

With expected revenues of $18,547,103, the BOE will have to dip into this year's estimated fund balance of $400,000 to pay for the coming school year. That fund balance is estimated to be $31,185 by this time next year.

The board adopted a spending resolution on June 25 to allow the system to operate July 1 based on the tentative budget. The budget will be considered for final adoption at the July 16 BOE meeting at 6 p.m. at the middle school.

In other business, the board approved supplements for system employees and approved policy changes for promotion retention, student health services, equipment supplies management and medicines. Those changes include allowing students with allergies to carry epi pens if prescribed by a physician.

The board accepted the resignation of Kevin Ealey, ECES parapro and approved the following recommendations: Linda Tiner, ECES 49 percent; Sandra Langley, ECHS, 49 percent; Rhonda Crowdis, ECHS; Tommy Temples, ECES special ed; Alicia Mitchell, special ed; Tiffany Cook, ECES; Kim Crowdis, ECES; Valerie Dunning, ECES; Cathy Green, parent mentor; William Price, bus driver; Barbara Philmon, ECHS, special ed; Tim Bundrick, ECHS, 49 percent; Jeff Mitchell, ECHS; and ECHS lunchroom staff.

With the exception of three new positions funded through federal funds or grant funds, the recommendations reflected no additional personnel for the system.