For the first time in years, the Old Rochester Regional school budget includes an overall increase in teaching staff rather than personnel cuts.

School administrators presented the proposed budget on Tuesday night.

At $17,269,113, the budget is a 4.23 percent increase over the current budget.

Superintendent Doug White said the budget takes into account an increase in utility costs, student enrollment as well as less dependence on the excess and deficiency fund.

The $701,205 increase includes several new positions to combat large class sizes, accommodate new courses and improve test scores.

ORR High School Principal Mike Devoll said the high school’s population has increased by 16.2 percent since 2008 even as the number of teachers has decreased. More than 800 students are expected at the high school in the fall.

“Ultimately something has to give,” Devoll said.

He proposes the addition of several part-time positions in the English, math, health and language departments for a total of 45.8 positions versus the current 43.8.

Two teachers are proposed for the seventh grade as well, one for English and social studies classes and one for math and science. The smaller classes will boost academic rigor and help teachers give students more "airplay."

“It gives teachers a chance to check for understanding for all students,” said Junior High Principal Kevin Brogioli.

As the junior high works to increase students’ digital literacy, the library/media specialist will return to a full-time position.

“She will take on more of a teaching role than she has in the past,” said Brogioli.

Other factors in the budget include school choice. Last year, the committee decided against adding new slots at the seventh grade and is likely to repeat that this year as both the junior high and high school deal with a growing population.

The reduction in school choice students means less revenue for ORR, something the school had relied on for years. If the School Committee votes like it did last year, White said the school would see $120,000 decrease in income over two years.

The population increase also has an affect on several line items in the budget, including the supplies. Much of the $122,231 increases in that category accounts for textbooks and materials needed for students.

Some areas of the budget saw a decrease. With no proposed staff cuts, the school’s unemployment costs rebound $15,000. Additionally, this coming year, the health insurance contribution moves from 75/25 to 70/30, resulting in a $75,733 saving.

To pay for the budget, the school will rely on income from the state, projected at $652,655 and funds from the three towns.

Although conversations with Selectmen and town administrators continue, the current assessment for the towns totals almost $14 million. The assessments are based on the number of students sent from each town.

Marion’s assessment is $4,230,738, a 4.71 percent increase; Mattapoisett’s is $5,056,460, a 4.7 percent increase; and Rochester’s is $4,706,056 or 5.26 percent increase.

School Committee members commended the work of the budget subcommittee and school administrators in crafting the budget.

Cynthia Johnson called it “a very responsible budget.”

“My eyes are opened,” said James Muse. “I know that things can change, but I think it’s very realistic.”

The School Committee is expected to decide on the budget at its meeting next Wednesday, though some changes may be made in the meantime.

“There’s some work to be done to find out how and if this can be supported going forward,” White said.