In the ongoing process of preparing the 2014-15 Parkland School District budget, Business Manager John Vignone reported on projected expenditures at the March 18 board workshop.

As he explained the nine categories of the state Department of Education budgetary codes, Vignone pointed out decreases in some areas but a 6.29-percent increase overall in the $152.6 million total.

Expenditures are projected to increase $9 million over the previous year.

Vignone said the largest section of the budget is salaries and benefits at 73 percent of the total.

Although both in-creased over the previous year, Vignone noted a change in comparison with the prior term.

"Salaries make up less of the budget, and benefits more, comparing last year and the new year," Vignone said.

Although salaries will increase $1.8 million to $70.9 million, the amount was softened through savings of $580,445 as long-term retiring educators will be replaced by new teachers at the lower end of the salary scale.

The biggest increase in the budget will be $3.5 million going to the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System.

Parkland's contribution rate to PSERs in 2014-15 will be 21.4 percent, up from 16.93 percent the previous term.

The total district payment to PSERs in the new school year is projected at $15.2 million.

Along with the significant increase in PSERs, medical and dental employee benefits are projected to increase $1.95 million.

"These are the two heavy hitters in next year's budget," Vignone said.

Vignone was happy to report a $330,000 reduction in special education services from Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21.

He credited CLIU 21 for working to cut expenditures, as well as the oversight of Parkland Director of Student Services Robert Thornburg.

On the other side, Vignone anticipates a $100,000 increase in payments to charter and cyber schools.

"This growth was not anticipated," Vignone said.

He said busing costs will be impacted through the district's obligation to transport students to the charter schools.

Another positive note is an expected $150,000 reduction in electricity costs for the next term, made possible through the efforts of the district partnering with PPL to cut energy consumption.

Vignone forecasts a reduction of $350,000 for fuel oil because the high school converted to natural gas, and Kernsville Elementary and Orefield Middle School may also switch over.

However, Parkland will need an increase of $226,000 to pay for the additional natural gas.

The annual day-long budget seminar is scheduled for April 25.