After years of slashing that included closing schools, Brevard County school administrators are anticipating more money for the next school year.

Teacher raises and health insurance are on the top of the list for funding but before any money is spent, the school district wants to hear from the community.

The district is hosting several forums, including one Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at Astronaut High School in Titusville where the public will have a say about what needs to be funded.

Teachers have clearly said they want a pay raise this year.

On a district draft proposal for the new school year, staff pay raises are on the top of the list but no dollar amounts have been attached to that.

Other top priorities for the district: funding the health insurance trust fund and $1.8 million for changes to the staffing plan to help students with learning disabilities.

“Obviously the governor has discussed additional dollars to public education, it’s hard to determine what that would be right now, but we wanted to be prepared so that if that new money became available we knew how we were going to spend it,” said  Michelle Irwin, Brevard Schools Director of Community Relations.

The list also recommends putting money back into art, music, chorus and band… all four areas were cut by thousands of dollars each.

Besides the forum Thursday night in Titusville, there are other ones planned in Viera and Palm Bay.

Brevard Schools Community Forums

North Area: Astronaut High School Auditorium
February 26, 2015
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Central Area: Educational Services Facility Board Room - Viera
March 3, 2015
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

South Area: Bayside High School Auditorium
March 2, 2015
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.