The Natrona County school board Wednesday will vote whether to adopt the district's proposed budget for the 2009-10 school year.

A public hearing is scheduled for 8 p.m. to allow for comments from community and board members. The hearing is required by state law. Trustees have 24 hours to approve the budget.

A projected $288,650,458 will be in the school district's account, including about $32.2 million in carry-over money. Of the total amount, $111.3 million will be for instructional services and $43.9 million will be for capital construction.

The budget includes $29,603 for employee medical insurance services, an amount recommended by the district's Compact Issues Committee. The committee also recommended spending about $1.7 million on education and salary steps for employees

Last year, the board approved a $4.8 million salary increase for employees, which put the district within the 85th percentile for pay nationwide.

The board also approved a $46.9 million construction budget for 2008-2009. Included in those funds was $7.5 million for buying property for a new east side elementary school and a new high school.

On Wednesday, the board's work session will begin at 6 p.m. and the regular session will begin at 7:30 p.m. The budget will be considered for adoption during the board's regular meeting.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at jasa.santos@trib.com. Read her education blog at tribtown.trib.com/JasaSantos/blog.