Gill also questioned $72,000 for math books at the middle school and the decision to spend $1,246 for a Macbook as opposed to an $896 laptop.

Snodgrass said the district decided some time ago to move toward Macs since Apple provides support for education.

“It is by far the leader,” he said. “We have talked about this for years, and to suddenly (question it) on the night to adopt a budget, it’s like groping for straws.”

“People are losing their homes,” Gill responded. “You’re good because the taxpayers pay your salary, but Celotex, AC&F and Magee are done.”

Schappert said past boards have taken actions that drive the budget.

“We are hit every day with unfunded and underfunded mandates,” he said. “We have no control over workers’ compensation premiums. We recently approved contracts, one for 6 percent and one for 4 percent, and these are multi-year contracts.”