PROVIDENCE — The effect of the state’s budget crisis is being felt at the Department of Education, which proposed a spending plan yesterday afternoon for fiscal year 2009 that would cut $1.3 million in existing jobs and services, including eliminating 21 positions through attrition and lay offs. The cuts would also scale back a high-profile school evaluation program; reduce services at GED centers; and remove technical assistance to local districts in developing tests for students.

At the same time, education officials say they are worried that the cuts may go even deeper because of the state’s estimated $450-million deficit for the coming fiscal year.

The $1.16-billion budget proposal also doubles fees for teacher certifications and permits, from $100 for a five-year professional certification to $200, for example, in an effort to generate about $400,000 in revenue.

The Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education unanimously approved the request, which includes a 4-percent increase for cities and towns in local education aid and proposes gradually moving teacher retirement costs — which have increased by an average of 15 percent a year — completely over to the state over the next three years.

The budget level funds current programs. It represents a $52-million increase over this year’s budget, half of which is the 4-percent increase in local aid — $26 million. The other half comes from entitlements, such as retirement costs and salary increases, and a handful of initiatives, such as $2.8 million to open two new charter schools.

“The budget request recognizes the fiscal straits we are in, and is mindful that the state is facing tremendous pressures on revenues,” said Robert G. Flanders Jr., chairman of the Regents. “But in that context, we are saying education still has to be a priority. Even in bad times, it is appropriate to have a current service level budget.”

The department wants to keep the $1.3 million in savings, asking that it be invested in key areas, such as programs for English language learners, high school reform and improving teacher quality.

But the Regents recognize they may lose that money — and more. The Regents also submitted a more restrictive $1.14-billion proposal, to reflect reductions requested by the state Budget Office.

“The Regents submit a budget request that tries to be realistic, but with an unknown factor that won’t be known until April,” said Peter McWalters, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, referring to the budget estimates that are adjusted throughout the spring, as Governor Carcieri and lawmakers hash out their budget proposals. “Your request does not assure you will get anything. But it allows you to outline your priorities.”

Called the “target” budget, this less-generous spending plan would provide just a 2-percent increase to local school districts, and make several substantial cuts not included in the Regents proposal, including:

•Eliminating about $700,000 in legislative grants that help finance education programs and services.

•Closing the $373,064 state Hearing Center, at the School for the Deaf, which tests Rhode Islanders for hearing problems.

•Cutting funds to the Met School, including capping enrollment at the Newport campus to 60 students; eliminating the cost-of-living adjustment for Met teachers; and cutting three special-education teachers.

•Eliminating $600,000 in state support for the administration of the federal free breakfast program for low-income students.

•Eliminating a new $340,000 school construction division to oversee new school buildings.

jjordan@projo.com