Even with reductions in classified and certificated staff and building budgets, the Enumclaw School Board anticipates it will need to dip into its reserves by the end of the 2010-11 fiscal year.

The Enumclaw School Board approved a $44.5 million budget after a public hearing Aug. 16.

School budgets are complicated and this year’s is no different.

During the meeting, district Director of Business and Operations Tim Madden explained how the budget is built to capacity, with a number of place holders for unforeseen expenditures or unexpected revenue.

“We can’t spend a penny over $44,464,550,” Madden said following the board meeting. “Are we going to spend that much? No, but if we need to, or we need to take money in, we need to make sure there’s room for it.”

Madden recently replaced Randy Stocker in the financial position.

Last year, the district used federal money to fill the losses from the state, but that money isn’t available this year. A number of fixed costs have increased and the district again anticipates declining enrollment, but not as severe, with a 30-student loss predicted.

The difference between predicted revenue and expenditures is $1.9 million, same as last year, Madden said.

The district trimmed about $900,000 from its budget.

“It’s all about people when 80 to 85 percent of the budget is in personnel,” Madden said.

Madden said the district anticipates $750,000 in levy equalization money, but indications from the governor regarding the state budget suggests that could change, and likely not for the better.

“This is done in the middle of the stream,” Madden said. “That’s what makes it a little more frustrating.”

The district will continue to move forward on its technology improvements using voter-approved levy money from the $1.7 million capital projects fund.

Madden said for the 2011-12 budget the district will likely need to look at additional reductions.

“We’ll need to monitor the budget closely as we move through the year,” Madden said.