Tentative school budget calls for .97-mill tax increase

By Gina Morton
The Daily Item

May 09, 2008 05:59 am

— LEWISBURG — A proposed 2008-09 budget of $25.7 million, which would require a .97-mill real estate tax increase, was presented Thursday night to the Lewisburg school board.
Ronald Kabonick, board secretary, presented the proposed spending plan to the board. He said it includes three additional full-time kindergarten teachers, a fourth-grade teacher, one and one-half library clerical aides, one technology technician, a $10 increase per day for substitute teachers and a $500,000 technology budget.
“We’ll be coming back in June with that as our recommended budget,” Kabonick said.
In other business, the board approved a motion to increase cafeteria prices for the next school year. There will be a 10-cent increase for breakfast and lunch at all grades, a 5-cent increase for milk and a 15-cent increase for adult lunches.
Kabonick said the new prices guarantee a profit of more than $21,000.
Student participants in the state music competition, National History Day, the Stock Market Game and the state Mathematics League were acknowledged by the board and administration. Superintendent Mark DiRocco thanked each of the students for their participation and achievement.
High school Vice Principal Chris Ruhl spoke to the directors about the Middle States Accreditation progress, and curriculum and instruction supervisor Cathy Moser presented the student wellness report. Student board representative Jessica Ranck gave a PowerPoint presentation on the high school student council.
Edward Zych was re-elected board treasurer for the fiscal year starting July 1.