AUBURN – If Auburn gets as much state education money as it received last year, the School Department ought to be spared the widespread layoffs of previous years, Superintendent Tom Morrill said Wednesday.

Morrill released a few details of his working budget, which would set spending for the coming school year at $34.6 million.

The draft figure increases spending by $420,246, an increase of 1.23 percent.

As it stands, next year’s budget includes no new programs and eliminates three positions: half positions among secretaries and custodians, one educational technician II and one crossing guard. Last year’s budget cut 16.5 positions, of which 9.5 were actual layoffs.

Morrill’s new proposal would lay off one person.

“We can continue to offer a first-class, quality education,” Morrill told School Committee members at an afternoon workshop.

The message continued to a night meeting that included an invitation to people to comment on their budget priorities.

In the hour-long hearing, several people praised the city’s teachers and pleaded for their jobs. They also brought forward ideas for cutting costs: From halting the purchase of new equipment to reducing the number of paper flyers sent home with children.

“The wasted paper the children bring home in their backpacks is enormous,” parent Nancy Kelliher said. She tries reusing it at home but it is too plentiful. “I can’t use it quick enough.”

The sentiment was echoed several times at the meeting.

Pam Hart, a parent with children at Fairview Elementary School, said she sympathized with the committee’s cost cutting.

“So many cuts were made last year,” she said. “I don’t know where you’re going to cut this year.”

To her, one untouchable piece of the school system ought to be the land lab, which is used in science and nature teaching.

“I know last year it was kind of on the chopping block,” said Hart, who has volunteered at the lab.

Morrill’s proposal does not cut the lab. Rather, his budget includes moving the facility from its home on the west side of Lake Auburn to East Auburn Elementary School. A group is examining whether it may reside in the school’s basement or in trailers outside.

Eventually, the School Department hopes to expand the lab into nearby forest with trails and other amenities, Morrill said.

Morrill plans to present a detailed budget proposal to the School Committee on March 11 in a 5 p.m. workshop.

The burden on taxpayers is uncertain. Much will be decided when the state releases its general purpose aid to education figures, expected later this month.

With hints from the state, Morrill said he is hopeful that funding will be about the same as last year.

“We can anticipate within reason that approximately the same money will be flowing to us,” he told committee members.

Last year, the state allocated $17.8 million to Auburn schools.