GREENE – New laptops at Leavitt Area High School, expanded technology for SAD 52 elementary schools and improvements to school buildings are included in the 2009-10 budget.

The $22.6 million proposal approved by the Board of Directors is 1.63 percent more than this year. But when federal economic stimulus money is added, the budget is $210,377 less than last year.

A locked in fuel oil price of $1.878 and a diesel price of $2.13 are expected to save the district money.

Superintendent Darlene Burdin said Greene and Turner town managers anticipate a reduction in the tax rate after assessing municipal taxes, county taxes and school taxes. Information was not available from the Leeds town office.

“Most likely there will be a reduction,” Burdin said. “We’re hoping that’s the case.”

Included in the new spending package is money for after-school enrichment activities, supplying the high school with approximately 670 laptop computers, a potential prekindergarten pilot program, expanded technology for the elementary level and expansion of the district special education program.

The board has also approved money for a facilities director, more technology support and restoring the middle school assistant principal to full time.

Cutbacks in the spending plan include: eliminating two high school study hall monitors, half an English as a Second Language teacher, and half a gifted-talented coordinator; and having the elementary technology teacher work four days a week, not five.

Kindergarten through eighth grade assistant principals will work 195 days, not 215 as they do now.

The unfilled full-time positions of computer lab monitor, social worker and literary specialist are being eliminated, as well as several co-curricular and stipend positions.

Stimulus money will go toward library software, energy efficiency measures such as updating lighting, replacing roofing and siding, replacing carpet with tile in some classrooms and improving security at schools.

The districtwide budget vote is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Leavitt Area High School Auditorium.

The budget validation referendum is scheduled Tuesday, May 19, at Greene Fire Station from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Leeds Town Office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Turner Town Office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.