SHERBURNE – A presentation of the Sherburne-Earlville Central Schools’ tentative 2012-2013 budget plan drew 71 district residents to the Middle/High School Auditorium Monday night, more than double the attendance at last year’s gathering.

The proposed spending plan, estimated at $29.76 million, represents an increase of 1.7 percent, or $497,544, over the present school year’s. It would call for a levy of $6.6 million, keeping just under the state mandated 2 percent cap, at 1.9 percent.

The decrease in state aid amounted to more than $1.37 million. Set aside reserves would be tapped for $600,000, which is less than the million dollars it took last year to meet expenses.

Should the budget be adopted by voters, the school district would eliminate two teachers, two teacher assistants, six support staff and one faculty who is retiring. The measure also freezes the superintendent and assistant superintendent’s salaries at current levels. Equipment and supplies were also cut.

There were 13 positions eliminated last year, including nine teachers and one administrator.

Instructional programming makes up $21 million in the budget, an increase of $400,000 over last year. Programming includes salaries and benefits for teachers, counselors, assistants, coaches and bus drivers as well as textbooks, instructional software, supplies and equipment, and transportation.

Capital spending has been higher over the last three years as the 2008 capital building project continues. That portion of the budget is up $19,000. Administration is up $73,772. (See sidebar.)