With a building project ready to launch and the state boosting coffers, the Seaside School District’s budget committee has approved a $20.6 million operating budget.

With an improving state economy, timber revenue and “excellent management,” the district plans to move forward without reductions in staffing or programs, Superintendent Sheila Roley said in a budget message.

The school district plans to hire an elementary school guidance counselor and a new high school science and math teacher, among other personnel additions. The budget addresses rising student technology costs, with districtwide licenses for math and science software. A new science curriculum will be implemented in the fall to meet new science and technology standards.

A full-time licensed staff member will be hired to provide management support to students, staff, parents and the community at both elementary schools. An elementary teacher will also be added to reduce class size, allow more time to focus on student achievement and narrow the achievement gap, Roley said in her budget message.

A full-time social studies teacher will be added at Broadway Middle School, among other personnel additions.

An additional $112 million capital budget for construction of the new K-12 campus was also presented for review Tuesday, May 16. That number grew from the original $99.7 million bond approved by voters in November with the addition of $4 million from the state, along with favorable bond sales and rates.

The district anticipates paying out $22.5 million next year toward the project, endorsed by voters in November, Business Manager Justine Hill said in April.

Representatives of Day CPM and Dull Olson Weekes — IBI Architects provided an update on the construction project’s progress. The district is soliciting comment while interviewing contractor candidates to work with architects to design the building.

During construction, facilities repair and maintenance will continue to be addressed at all buildings. The average useful life of the buildings is 45 years, yet the average age of the high school, middle school and Gearhart Elementary School is about 65 years, Roley said.

The budget calls for new flooring at Gearhart Elementary School; a new roof pack at Broadway Middle School; playground safety measures at Seaside Heights Elementary School and improvements at the high school.

The budget was approved unanimously without additional comment from the public, members of the board or the budget committee.

A public hearing on the budget will be conducted at the school district’s June 20 meeting. The budget must be adopted prior to the end of the fiscal year in June.