A draft of the proposed 1999 budget for the Fayette County School System should be ready by mid May, according to Jim Stephens, finance director for the school system.

"We've gone out to the schools and talked with the departments for input," Stephens said. "An overview of the budget will be presented at the May 17 school board meeting," he said. Stephens expects the budget will be approved at the June 21 meeting. The district's budget year runs from July 1 to June 30.

Anticipated in the new budget is a new salary schedule for teachers. Capital improvements include the new stadium for Starr's Mill High School at the South Complex, and additions at Flat Rock Middle School and North Fayette Elementary School, according to Stephens. A backlog of building maintenance projects and roofing jobs will also be addressed.