The Johnston County Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a $57 million budget for next school year.

The budget is about 3.6 percent larger than this school year's budget. But budgets usually grow by 10 to 20 percent a year, Chairman Larry Strickland said.

"This is a historical budget in my opinion," Strickland said. "I don't remember a budget that is as bare to the bone as this one."

The district is trying to maintain the same level of service as this year, Superintendent Ed Croom said at the school board meeting Tuesday.

The increase in next year's budget is mostly due to higher utility costs, growth, salaries, and benefits.

The district will open two new high schools and expects to serve about 700 more students next year.

The county commission must approve the budget by July 1.

According to Strickland, county money accounts for about 20 percent of the school district's funding. The state provides about 70 percent and the federal government provides 10 percent.

The district expects about a ten percent cut in state funding. But federal stimulus money will make up for part of that cut.