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Compared with last year, Hayden School Board members and administrators breezed through the first reading of next year's budget Wednesday night.

No significant cuts were made, and Hayden Superintendent Mike Luppes was hesitant to discuss coming years.

"Next year could be more interesting," Luppes told the board members.

This year, revenues are expected to be about $10,000 more than expected, totaling $4,672,282. A balanced budget for next year has been proposed, with revenues and expenditures totaling $4,704,000 for the 2007 budget year.

The district should save some money because several teachers are retiring and will be replaced with teachers who will cost the district less money. There was also an increase in income from mineral leases, which increased revenue this year.

Last year, the district made about $200,000 in cuts. Officials eliminated two full-time teaching positions, decided against hiring a full-time principal for Hayden Valley Elementary School and cut budgets by 10 percent.

Each district receives money from the state on a per-pupil basis. If school enrollment decreases, so, does financial support.

With the potential for smaller budgets in the future, Luppes suggested the district start making plans to budget money for future expenses. One of those expenses is the retirement bonus given to teachers who have served at least 15 years in the district. With a large number of veteran teachers in the district approaching retirement age, Luppes said the district should start setting aside money to pay the bonuses, which are equivalent to a year's salary.

Luppes suggested budgeting for 5 percent of a teacher's salary annually, so the district could guarantee the bonuses would be paid.

He said he would like to have a plan in place by October, when next year's budget is approved.

"We would like to have something put together by that time," Luppes said. "I think the teachers would be all for that."

The School Board also reviewed an attendance policy for the high school. The policy would limit the number of classes a student can miss each semester.

The current policy is inadequate, high school Principal Troy Zabel said.

-- To reach Matt Stensland, call 871-4210

or e-mail mstensland@steamboatpilot.com.