Budget proposals in the state Legislature promise more money for schools, but they rely on the state raising taxes.

“It’s still pretty significant cuts, but at least they’re trying to make some partial restoration,” said Rich Moore, assistant superintendent for business Renton School District.

While the Legislature promised to fund special programs, hope is waning for maintaining classroom sizes. About 35 Renton teachers could lose their jobs, with about 2,500 layoffs statewide.

“Let’s be clear. Neither of these budgets meets our constitutional requirement to amply fund basic education,” said state superintendent Randy Dorn in a press release.

Under both the House and Senate bills, money would be restored for the Highly Capable Program and full-day kindergarten.

“The only thing I’m worried about is that the major restoration of both of those (programs) are based on a new tax package,” Moore said.

Funding for the middle school vocational program, a special teacher training day and Initiative 728, which reduced classroom sizes, were cut in all three budgets.

The House optimistically asked to keep about half of the K-4 staffing ratio money, but Gov. Christine Gregoire and Senate proposed cutting it.

If K-4 is cut, it would mean 25 Renton teachers could lose their jobs.

Differing proposals are leaving the district in limbo over how much money to expect.

“We’re hopeful that of the three the House budget is chosen,” Moore said.

However, even the House’s budget could mean about 20 layoffs.

The Legislature is scheduled to finish its session March 11, although it could go longer.

Optimistically, the state’s budget for education would still fall below 2007 funding, while enrollment in the Renton School District is up.

Gregoire’s budget would mean a $4.2 million cut for Renton. The Senate’s proposal was similar with a $3.4 million cut and the House trailed with $2.4 million.

The district isn’t expecting the economy to improve for at least another three years.

Meanwhile, Renton’s administrators are trying to prioritize programs and gather input on what to cut.

“We’re going to keep looking at revenue sources and looking at ways to economize,” Moore said.

Its first three public round table meetings will be concluded this week.

The district’s first budget proposal is scheduled to be completed at the end of March. It will be followed by three more public meetings in April, before it’s approved by the Board of Directors this summer.