Thanks to the restoration of $1 billion in funding from the state Legislature and $3.7 million in reductions suggested by a recent study by consulting firm MGT, Deputy CFO Al Weidner told the Sarasota County School Board Tuesday its 2012-13 operating budget is in much better shape than last year.

Last year, the board was forced to tap $20 million in reserves and use $8 million of federal stimulus money to meet its 2011-12 operating budget. The remainder came from 128 cuts, including the elimination of several teaching positions, reductions in furlough days, having employees contribute 3 percent to their retirement accounts and trimming health insurance benefits.