With little change from previous drafts and no public comment, the school board on Wednesday passed a nearly $41 million general fund budget for the coming fiscal year.

Teton County School District No. 1’s $40.7 million budget includes increases for additional staffing and for transportation and technology.

Although costs for employee benefits, like health insurance, remained flat relative to state funding, staff expenses increased about $1 million. That’s due to the hiring more teachers this year and raises for eligible employees.

The district added two teachers at Davey Jackson Elementary School and three full-time Spanish teachers — one each for Jackson, Colter and Wilson elementary schools. Also, the district hired two new bus drivers.

Substitute teacher costs have in-creased as well, up some $50,000 to $550,000 from the last budget. Staff and administrative compensation is roughly 85 percent of the budget.

Transportation costs have increased due to fuel prices, two new routes and another bus required by schedule changes. The district estimates it will have some 2,420 students enrolled in the fall.

By 2013, the school district is expected to become an “entitlement district.” As such it would require money from the state to pay for educating valley youths.

In recent years, valley property taxes have more than paid for district costs, making it a “recapture” district. As a result, Teton County tax money was sent to Cheyenne for distribution across Wyoming guaranteeing equal education opportunities.