Orcas School is one step closer to finalizing a 2009-10 budget.

Last week the school board gave the go-ahead for Superintendent Barbara Kline to proceed with her proposal of starting the year off with a full middle and high school schedule, and cutting programs later if enrollment numbers aren’t high enough to help fill the financial hole.

“It’s sort of scary because we are basically going in with a deficit, but I feel more confident going in with a robust program because it will encourage enrollment,” Board chair Janet Brownell said. “Everything is enrollment-driven. So as long as everyone is facing the fact that there could be cuts in November, I think it’s a really smart way to go.”

The board has made additional cuts in non-employee related costs, but the budget is still short $140,000. The Orcas Island Education Foundation and the Orcas Island Community Foundation is hoping to raise $100,000 for the school; it has $30,000 left to go.

Before Kline’s proposal, the school was faced with eliminating eight teaching positions. That may no longer be necessary.

“If enrollment continues to be at the level it was this year, we should be able to proceed with the full schedule,” Brownell said. “I think our numbers will be higher than we are projecting.”

But if they’re not, the board may have to cut programs in the classroom, athletics, and the library. Brownell says more “aggressive” fundraising would also be necessary.

One area that is not being affected by the budget cuts is kindergarten. Thanks to private funding, there will be two all-day kindergarten classes for the coming year.

A budget hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 16 at 5 p.m. in the school library. If the board approves of the proposal, it will be adopted on Thursday, July 23, during the regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

A meeting to discuss the 2010 school bond is set for Tuesday, July 21 at 5 p.m. in the school library. The board will determine a final price tag for the bond and move ahead with the schematics process.

Last week the school board also approved Kline’s contract for another year.