Lisa D. Connell writes in the Chatham Courier the Chatham Central School District is forecasting a $1.46 million budget increase for the 2012-13 school year. District Business Administrator Chuck Snyder presented the proposed spending plan to the public in a recent Board of Education meeting, outlining a variety of spending increases. The district has "no control" over growing retirement contributions and health insurance premiums, Snyder said. The total cost of benefits, which includes the retirement funds, social security and workers compensation, Connell reports, is $7.76 million next year, an increase of 13.46 percent. Instructional salaries, hardware, instructional software and BOCES services are expected to increase 13.06 percent. Snyder said the district reduced costs through refinancing some of its debt to take advantage of lower interest rates. A public hearing on the budget will be held May 8. Read the full story in the Chatham Courier.