ALGONQUIN – District 158’s tentative budget for 2013 projects a $1.1 million deficit, primarily because school officials are expecting the state to give less money in general aid that helps pay teacher salaries and benefits.

The projected deficit in the $79.7 million budget draft is a change from earlier this year, when officials projected a marginal surplus. But Chief Financial Officer Mark Altmayer said he adjusted the total after hearing that the state plans to distribute less general state aid to the district, as part of education cuts state lawmakers recently approved.

Like last year, the district also budgeted conservatively by deciding to withhold two state payments that mostly cover transportation and special education funding.