The Algiers Charter Schools Association expects to see a budget deficit of nearly $3 million this year due to investments in Common Core State Standards Initiative.

“ACSA is fortunate to have financial resources that allow us to invest in school programs even when revenues don’t meet expenses,” said Chief Financial Officer Charlie Mackles. “ACSA chose to make a significant investment this year to prepare for the rollout of the common-core standards. The financial forecast for future years is positive and is aligned with the organization’s long-term plans for continued academic growth and innovation.”

An increasing student body at the combined Landry-Walker High School site added to expenses in student services—things like occupational or speech therapists, or specialists to evaluate for gifted students. Those costs are expected to rise from $83,222 spent during the 2012-13 school year to $231,956 in the coming year.

The budget calls for an expected enrollment of 1,100 students at Landry-Walker this year.

An increased federal E-rate grant helped to offset some technology costs for the charter management organization this year, allowing for a 31 percent savings.

ACSA based its budget on an enrollment of 3,879 students, with 80 percent, or $33.8 million, of revenue expected from local and state per-pupil funding. The board reviewed the budget at a public meeting July 31.