Due to the combination of fewer new students this year and less funding from the state the Athens City Board of Education will lose almost $300,000 in Foundation and State Program money in the 2009 fiscal year.

According to Finance Director Barry Hamilton, who presented the proposed budget at the board’s meeting Thursday night, the state cut current-unit funding.

Also, Athens City Schools grew by 110 students in 2008, whereas this year’s calculations show an increase of only 85 students, he said.

The general fund shows total revenue of $29.08 million and expenditures of $28.39 million.

The periodic evaluation for superintendent Orman Bridges Jr. also was mentioned briefly. No changes in his salary have been suggested at this time.

In other business, board members also agreed Thursday night to address a stipend for a high school cheerleader coach and to address the lack of school bus transportation for Athens Elementary School at the next school board meeting.

Those items and a second budget hearing will be address by board members on Sept. 11.

Board members also approved:

• An increase in substitute pay rates due to the increase in federal minimum wages that went into effect July 24.

Pay rates are as follows: certified teachers, $70 per day; non-certified teachers $60; aides, $50; clerical 8-hour, $55; cafeteria workers, $50; custodial $55; and bus drivers, $10 per hour (4-hour minimum).

• Ann Entrekin to furnish instruction to students participating in the spring administration of the ACT/PSAT.

• Out-of-state travel for board members to attend conventions and other educational meetings.

• A facility-use request submitted by the Limestone County Youth Football League to use Athens Middle School’s football field.

• An over-night field trip for Athens Middle School on Oct. 21 and 22, to Bear Creek Education Center in Hodges, Ala.

• Extracurricular activities for Athens High School including, four students in grade 12 to serve on an advisory board with First National Bank August through April with sponsor Gia Russell (one day each month); College Career Fair at Athens State University on Sept. 5 with sponsor Susan Wales; varsity cheerleader Kiddie Camp Sept. 8 through 11 with sponsor Nancy McBay; cheerleaders to participate in the annual pep rally on the square Aug. 29 with sponsor Nancy McBay; and FBLA members to participate in Joint Leadership Development Conference held Sept. 30 in Montgomery with sponsor Lori Jones.