Florence School District One administrators say this looks to be a better budget year, but finances are still tight.

They face unfunded mandates by the state and unexpected expenses, including renovations at Poynor Adult and Community Education Center and fixing a sewage problem at Delmae Elementary School.

The district hopes to have enough money to give all employees a two percent raise.

"Our employees have been very, very patient. They've been giving extra during these hard times. They teach extra periods . They cover for each other so we won't have to employ substitutes so they're very deserving of an increase," said Randy Koon, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Planning and Accountability.

Koon says they will have to staff personnel and equipment for new Lucy T. Davis Elementary School. He says they have to add a new principal, additional teachers, cafeteria and custodial employees and a curriculum coordinator. Koon says that will cost them about $1.4 million.

When the new school opens in August, it will be paid for. Koon adds that the district has enough mileage on the books to collect about $20 million dollars every two years. It cost them about that much to build a school.

The school board will meet Thursday to start budget talks.