The South Whidbey School Board held a public hearing and approved a $19.4 million budget Wednesday for the upcoming 2015-16 school year.

According to budget documents, the district’s general fund will be $16.5 million, up from $15.4 million in the 2014-15 budget. Similarly, total expenditures are expected to increase to $19.4. million from $18.4 million.

The district’s capital projects fund is $2,575,200, which matched last year’s budget.

A breakdown of how the money will be used for capital projects — which is split into two usages: technology and building projects — is expected to be available in October, said Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Dan Poolman.

“The plan would be to share that with the board; I have to wait until people come back,” he said.

Molly MacLeod-Roberts and Tim Kangas were the lone public attendees.

MacLeod-Roberts, a Langley resident, brought up rumors around the community that an athletic turf was going to replace Waterman’s Field and asked the board to be wary of all the dimensions.

“There’s been a lot of talk in the community about replacing Waterman’s Field with artificial turf, and the outgoing athletic director (Kelly Kirk), even mentioned that’s what’s next,” MacLeod-Roberts said. “I would encourage you, this board, before taking any action on that, to be sure to perhaps follow through with your comment about considering an athletic bond. But even prior to that to make sure you consider doing an in-depth comparison and all the research to make sure that is what’s best for the players and their safety, the environment, and their health.”

“Thank you for letting me know the community is abuzz with the potential for turf …”

Jo Moccia, South Whidbey School District superintendent

According to FieldTurf.com, installing a FieldTurf field generally costs about $770,000. The idea is that while in the short term the cost is steep, the savings over time from less maintenance and more usage would make it a financially sound decision.

“Thank you for letting me know the community is abuzz with the potential for turf, because the board has not (discussed it),” said District Superintendent Jo Moccia. “It’s on our list of things to discuss this year.”