Columbia public school board members will hold a public hearing tonight on next year’s budget.

Board members are also expected to vote on the proposal which includes money for the new Battle High School and $2 million for information technology.

The proposed budget sets aside more than $1 million for teachers, staff and resources at Battle High School which is scheduled to open in the fall 2013.

School district leaders also want to rehire some staff and teachers by using money from a recent tax levy increase.

The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the Columbia City Council Chambers because of the ongoing construction at the District’s Administration Building.

Board members plan to vote on the budget during the regular meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m.