Ledyard - In its revised 2012-13 budget proposal presented Wednesday, the school board has elected to restore Project Oceanology, a bus to the Dual Language Arts Academy in Waterford, an instrumental music teacher, a yearbook adviser and the district's after-school tutors.

Superintendent of Schools Michael Graner said that when the school board first made its list of intended cuts, members trimmed $100,162 more than what was needed to balance the budget.

With that money and the additional $45,000 the board was able to save through negotiations with the bus company, Graner said the board was able to restore the "vast majority" of items whose elimination was opposed by residents.

The board's goal of achieving a zero percent increase in its proposed 2012-13 budget meant holding next year's spending to this year's total - $29.6 million. To do that, it had to find a way to cut $1,041,445 from its original plan.

As the revised budget proposal stands, $260,132 in cuts would come from the textbook and energy accounts, benefits, district software, and transportation.

With the restoration of the first-grade academy tutors, third-grade tutors and 1.5 remedial reading tutors, the planned salary reductions drop from $248,975 to $166,475.

The district also has estimated it will save $237,045 in turnover or retirement savings.

As part of the $424,750 in teacher reductions, two special education teachers and one middle school health teacher would be laid off. The revised $377,900 budget restores the instrumental music teacher position that was slated for elimination. It also restores a yearbook adviser position, which would be paid for out of a high school administration account.

After hours of deliberation, school board Chairwoman Sharon Hightower said, the board's 2012-13 budget is a "responsible one."

"We stand solidly on this budget. ... We didn't want to have to cut any of those things, but we had to look at how we can continue to stabilize the school district and the options that would have the least impact on the students," she said. "What we've done this time is responsible, but all bets are off if the community or the council says we need to move in another direction."

The board will continue to evaluate the list of proposed reductions, Hightower said, but it must vote to adopt its final budget proposal at a special meeting Feb. 22 and submit it to Mayor John Rodolico by Feb. 27.

Wednesday's meeting was the last chance for residents to approach the board with alternative options, but those gathered were welcomed instead with the news that the board has elected to restore some programs and teachers.

During the board's Feb. 7 budget forum, residents, parents and students had spoken in favor of keeping such programs as Project Oceanology and instrumental music.

"This budget is a reflection of what we heard during the forum. People came and expressed their opinions and they were passionate and insightful," Graner said. "I've spent the last week trying to meet the will of the public and I believe we've done that. I'm delighted, I'm absolutely delighted."

j.hanckel@theday.com