Bartholomew Consolidated schools will be spending just over a million dollars more this year than previously budgeted. That’s under a new appropriation the school board passed last night.

Superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts explains the additional spending was caused in part by an increase in teacher’s pay under the new contract. Originally the district budgeted for a 2 percent raise, but the negotiations led to a three point two percent increase.

The district also had higher than budgeted health insurance premiums.

The increased spending is being offset by increased revenue this year. That is coming from a higher than anticipated student enrollment and from higher interest payments. Roberts said that the September enrollment count, which was up by almost 60 students over last year, would mean more money going to the district, retroactively to this summer.

Looking forward to next year, Roberts said that the increases have already been built into the 2018 budget.