MADISON, Wis. -- The Madison School Board is starting to debate its proposed budget for the 2006-2007 school year.

Superintendent Art Rainwater's $333 million budget was released Friday and recommended several student fee increases and a reorganization of the 4th and 5th grade strings programs.

The budget also cut 45 teacher positions. Most of those cuts were due to attrition and retirements.

"The cuts aren't as drastic as I was fearful of," said board member Carol Carstenson. "On the other hand, the cuts that we are going to have to look at will significantly affect certain groups of kids, and I am concerned about that."

Two public hearings have been scheduled to discuss the budget.

Tuesday, May 2 – LaFollette High School, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday May 9 – Memorial High School, 6:30 p.m.