The Rochester School Committee has approved a $6,076,537 budget.

That number is a 2.34 percent or $138,735 increase above the current budget.

Superintendent Doug White presented the figures on Thursday afternoon, saying the budget will meet Rochester Memorial School's needs.

Next year will see two fewer teaching aids while increasing the hours of the school's psychologist and adding a .3, part-time health instructor position.

The health instructor position, which costs $21,793, is one that was proposed last year as a teacher to be shared between elementary schools in the tri-town, however, Mattapoisett was the only town to fund it. Next year Mattapoisett and Rochester will share the position as Marion was unable to fund it again this year.

Asst. Superintendent Dr. Elise Frangos explained that the health course came about after students in junior high and high school took a risk assessment survey that revealed a need for education at the elementary school level to help kids make good, healthy choices. Seventh grade has been the first year health education was offered.

"The research tells us that is too late," said Frangos.

Other budget drivers include an increase of $115,081 in special education costs, $7,251 in transportation and $39,934 in contractual obligations, such as increases for teachers who receive more education.

Students attending Bristol County Agricultural High School also account for a $22,200 increase. Since those students are sent from their town not from Old Rochester Regional High School, the cost is factored into the town's school budget.

There is a $12,671 dip in maintenance and utilities, which are offset by people who rent space in the building. Grants, awards and special education reimbursements from the state account for $207,600 in offsets to the budget.

The School Committee approved the budget unanimously.

"This seemed to be a great cooperative effort with the town," said Committee Chair Tina Rood.

It will now go to the Annual Town Meeting for approval.