The Andalusia Board of Education this week approved a $16.8 million budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1

More than half of that budget – 51.02 percent – is for instructional services, with another 12 percent allocated for instructional support.

That 63 percent of the budget, along with another 5 percent for administrative services, funds: 105 teachers, three librarians, four counselors, 11 administrators, two certified support personnel; and 63 non-certified support personnel, for a total of 189 employees.

The system’s chief financial officer, Katie Odom, explained that increases in funding from the state, as well as increases in salaries in the coming budget year, are related to the 4 percent pay raise approved by the legislature in the spring.

The funding for those teachers is based on the average daily enrollment last year, when the system had 1,687 students. Preliminary numbers show an increase of 52 students this year.

The school receives 58 percent of its revenue from the state; 12 percent from federal sources; 21 percent from local taxes; 3 percent from local school revenues; 1 percent from other local revenue; and 5 percent from other.

Among the highlights in the budget, is an increase in supply money allocated for teachers. Each teacher will have $405 available, beginning Oct. 1, Odom said.

In other business, the board:

• Granted a leave of absences to Alexa Padgett, Pre-K enrichment teacher.

• Accepted the resignation of Jerry Merrill, maintenance helper/bus driver.

• Approved its 2016-17 capital plan. Superintendent Ted Watson said the system will do approximately $110,000 in renovations at Andalusia High School this year.

• Agreed to let bids for buses.