Syracuse City School District Superintendent Sharon Contreras 2012-2013 proposal would increase the district’s budget by 12 percent and will create a $35 million shortfall.

The proposal doesn’t outline how the district would plan to close the gap. According to reports by the end of the year the district would have depleted its reserve fund. District officials say, increases in pension cost, health benefits and raises are the blame for the growth in the budget.

Contreras was appointed as the district’s superintendent in July 2010 when much of the growth in the budget had already been negotiated.

The budget also request that more money is allotted to improving the district 50 percent graduation rate by requesting $5.4 million more on teacher training and support, instructional resources, and development of a core curriculum. Reports are $1.4 million would come from grants and the remainder from the general budget.

The Board will make changes to the budget, if any before it is sent to the Common Council who regulates the district spending. The council will vote on the district’s budget in May.