A budget of more than $21 million was approved Tuesday by theBrookhaven School Board of Trustees during their monthlymeeting.

The 2003-2004 budget includes revenues of $21,320,129, with 48percent coming from state sources, such as the Mississippi AdequateEducation Program, which was fully funded by state legislatorsearlier this year.

“Around 39 percent of our funds will come from local funds,”said Susan Quin, the district’s finance director, adding thatfederal funds make up the remaining 13 percent of the revenue.

The coming year’s budgeted expenditures total $21,260,175, with73 percent for salaries and related benefits, 12 percent forsupplies, 8 percent for maintenance and 2 percent for travel.

The difference leaves about $600,000 for an emergency fund forthe district.

“In the last nine years we’ve been able to have a good fundbalance to carry over. It’s kind of a rainy day fund,” saidSuperintendent Dr. Sam Bounds.

The remaining figure includes a 2 percent hold back from MAEPfunds in case the program is not fully funded for the next year,added Quin.

Board members had no questions or comments about the budget,which they were able to review prior to the meeting. The budget wasapproved unanimously.

In other matters, the board approved the request to take bids ona time clock system to better record employees’ hours. BrookhavenSchool District officials are looking to keep a close eye onovertime hours, which brought litigation to many districts twoyears ago.

Also, several employees were hired to fill school positions forthe 2003-2004 year. Bounds reported only three possible remainingvacancies, which are expected to be filled soon.

Following the close of the regular meeting, the board held anexecutive session to discuss personnel matters, but no decisionswere made, according to Bounds.

The next scheduled meeting will be held at 6 p.m., July 22, inthe central office board room.