RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - State Board of Education members have approved a $162 million budget request for the 2015-17 cycle that puts textbooks, classroom technology, and instructional supplies at the top of its priorities for public schools.

The November issue of the board's newsletter reports that the board worked with the Office of State Budget and Management to ensure its request met this year's guidelines of making a net impact to the General Fund of 2 percent savings.

"If funded," reports the newsletter, "the $76.8 million increase for textbooks will bring textbook funding levels from $15.28 per student in average daily membership to $67.15 per student. Other items in the request focus on support for lowest-achieving schools, professional development and connectivity."