The Oak Harbor School Board is expected to act on a proposed budget for the coming school year during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, Aug. 29.

The proposed budget of $48.9 million represents a $450,000 decrease from the previous year.

The number of employees in the district will be reduced by 18 full-time equivalent positions to 511.

“Staff reductions and other budget cuts were made largely due to the economic crunch at the state level, with many state cuts affecting schools,” said Superintendent Rick Schulte.

In total, federal and state budget cuts added up to more than $2 million for Oak Harbor. Schulte said the school district is contributing $1 million this year from its fund balance, a reserve account needed to help pay bills during months of low cash flow and to smooth out transitions during tough economic times.

The entire budget document is available online at www.ohsd.net. A public hearing concerning adoption of the 2011-12 budget begins Monday at 6:30 p.m. as part of the regularly scheduled school board meeting. The meeting is held at the district office, 350 S. Oak Harbor St.