Stonington — Superintendent of Schools Van Riley presented a proposed 2016-17 budget Thursday night that shows a 2.88 percent increase, the smallest increase he has proposed over the past several years.

Riley said he presented a “very conservative budget” instead of presenting one that contains all of the system’s needs and then having the school and finance boards make cuts.

Riley’s proposal comes as the finance board recommended that departments again keep proposed budget increases to 2 percent or less.

The finance board, though, has said it is willing to listen to justification for larger increases.

Last year, in what he called a “very professional process,” Riley proposed a budget with a 5 percent hike and the finance board approved a 3 percent hike after the school officials explained the reasons for exceeding the 2 percent recommendation.

The $36.3 million proposal calls for an overall increase of $1 million. More than $940,000 of that increase is needed to pay for staff raises and health insurance increases.

Riley said the system is not facing issues it had last year, such as large increases in electricity and special education costs.

Meanwhile there is a decrease in enrollment, which means some retired teachers may not have to be replaced.

He said that decline is expected to continue over the next decade as students move through the system.

He said there could be additional retirements and a slight drop in the $472,000 health insurance increase as the school system has asked for a review of the premium cost.

A $200,000 drop in special education transportation has been offset by a $250,000 hike in special education and magnet school tuition.

The school board will next meet on Jan. 28 to review the budget.

After the school board adopts a budget, it will send it to the Board of Finance for review.

j.wojtas@theday.ocm

Twitter: @joewojtas