The Albert Lea school board will act on a proposed 2002-2003 budget, which will reflect the cuts decided upon late last year, at its meeting tonight.

The budget for next year will be close to maintaining all the cuts the school board passed in December, with a few small changes, some because of extra state aid received as compensation for lost enrollment after the Farmland fire, said Superintendent David Prescott.

Next year’s budget would not be affected by an excess levy referendum this fall. Even if the school holds a referendum and the voters pass it, the extra money would not arrive until the 2003-2004 year, Prescott said.

Other items on the school board agenda include:

– Renewal of an agreement with the City of Albert Lea for 7th- and 8th-grade sports;

– Action on the student handbook for 2002-2003;

– A pay schedule for hourly employees;

– A recommendation for sale of general-obligation bonds;

– Approval for a .7 full-time equivalent social worker at the high school;

– First reading of the district’s school bus transportation policy;

– Policies on graduation requirements and instructional/media resources.

The board also plans to enter a closed session to conduct labor negotiations.

The school board meets at 7 p.m. in the board room at Brookside Education Center.