By Traci Newell

The Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted its 2006-2007 budget June 26.

The budget projected approximate district revenues of $40.7 million and expenditures of $38.8 million.

When all funds are allocated, there will be a projected and unappropriated surplus of nearly $2.8 million, which could rise in the coming years, said Joe White, assistant superintendent for business services.

“No negatives offset the positives in the budget,” White said. “Everything is in improvement mode.”

MVLA is a basic-aid district, which means that its local property-tax revenues exceed the amount of its revenue limit. A basic-aid district keeps the money from local property taxes and still receives the constitutionally guaranteed state basic-aid funding. White said property-tax revenues are forecasted to grow to 7.25 percent, allowing more money for students.

Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) have also risen this year. The COLA, projected at 5.92 percent, precipitates an increase in per-pupil funding from the state.

White attributed some of the increase in funding to saving $90,000 by hiring new teachers to replace three retiring experienced ones. Also, the Mountain View-Los Altos High School Foundation is expected to raise an additional $50,000 for the district next year.

White said he expects the district to have a flat growth of about 25 students for the next two years. The enrollment forecast for the 2006-2007 school year predicts 3,690 students to attend district schools. A flat growth is beneficial for a basic-aid district because it leaves more money to be spent per student.

The district will have final numbers for the budget after White attends the county budget meeting in August.