The Pella Community School Board has begun the process of approving a budget for next year. The Board on Monday heard initial figures, and were given a time frame for when a resolution must be passed. Superintendent Mark Wittmer says the most significant change for the 2011-2012 budget is the growth of the special education deficit. That figure was about $210,000 last year, a number held down by federal funds. Wittmer says those funds are no longer available and as a result, the options to cover the difference are levying for approximately $490,000 or shifting those funds from the regular education program, a move Wittmer does not support. The first public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 11th at 4:30 pm at the Pella Schools Administration office.