The Bend La Pine Schools Board of Directors approves a $252-million dollar budget for 2008-2009. Superintendent Dr. Doug Nelson says next year's budget is up about six-percent over the budget for this school year. He says it will allow the district to continue programs it began this year, including literacy initiatives. He says about a third of the budget is dedicated to construction projects. Nelson says that around three-percent of the operating budget is being put away to increase savings to weather future economic downturns. The board unanimously approved the budget last night.