The Abilene Independent School District adopted and approved about a half dozen budget items at Monday's relatively short, hourlong board meeting.

The board adopted the 2008-09 budget and tax rate. The budget passed with a deficit of just more than $1.9 million that will come out of the district's $14 million fund balance.

The tax rate passed as it was proposed, with a total tax rate of $1.1659 per $100 of valuation.

One woman came forward during the open forum to ask questions regarding the declining number of special education teachers in the district.

Citing cuts districtwide, Emily Boyett asked what type of solutions AISD was examining.

AISD Superintendent David Polnick said state and federal mandates have caused the decline in special education staff and support.

"A few years back, we had 22 percent of our students in special ed," Polnick said. "We've been told it has to be at 8.5 percent in special ed."

Polnick added that at the end of last year, 16.6 percent of students were in special ed. He also said state officials believed the district overidentified students as requiring special education, which might have led to the high percentage.

Joe Humphrey, construction coordinator for the district, discussed improvements at the Locust Early Childhood phase II project.

The campus is receiving new air-conditioning and heating units.

"There are a few more units," Humphrey said. "The only holdup is just getting the equipment in here."

Humphrey said completion of the project, like phase I, will take a matter of days and will not be a hindrance to people there.

To begin the meeting, Cathy Ashby, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction, recognized community members and AISD personnel who helped the district secure the TG Public Benefit Program Grant that was awarded to the district in June.

The grant, which totals $99,575, will assist AISD students by providing scholarships for early college and dual-credit tuition and to pay certification and licensure fees for career and technology students.