In the 2008-2009 school year, APS will be opening five new schools, requiring funding for staff and operations, but the district’s budget is going to remain relatively flat.

Under the state’s funding formula, APS receives roughly $5,000 for each enrolled student and the student body isn’t expected to increase enough in one year to pay for the staffing and operations of five schools.

“So we’re opening five new schools while the money for salaries and paying bills is staying flat, we’re having roughly the same amount of students,” said Kizito Wijenje of APS.

APS officials say the financial hit is temporary and one that was expected because the district has been forced to play catch-up in school construction to alleviate overcrowding.

APS officials say the staggering economy has also slowed the district’s growth in enrollment.

“With the economy slowing down and the housing market slowing down, there will be a slow down for a while, but then it’ll pick up with a vengeance,” said Wijenje.

The district’s finance committee is currently wrestling with how to pay the higher operational costs on its own until enrollment catches up.

A final budget will be presented to the school board in early June.