School board approves 2011-2012 budget

By K.C. McConnell, News Editor

The final regular school board meeting of the year was held on June 13 at Conestoga. The board approved the final budget for the 2011-2012 school year, the most important item on the meeting’s agenda.

The School Board opened the meeting by honoring the 34 retiring faculty members in the district. The board members then listened to a presentation about next year’s budget and its future financial implications.

After the presentation, the board members discussed and answered questions before voting on the new budget. Several members expressed concern over the tax raises and the effects of proposed state-wide legislation.

Board members also discussed the future of the TESD budget.

“No matter what, by 2014-15, we are driving off a cliff,” board member Debbie Bookstaber said. “We’re going to face horrific cuts in 2014-15, but every other school in the state is in the same boat.”

The changes in the 2011-2012 budget of $109,098,918 include a 3.77% tax increase, which is estimated to cost an “average” household an extra $171 per year. Also included are a decrease in various faculty positions, and a Tredyffrin Easttown Education Association-suggested waiver for a portion of scheduled salary increases.

Though many changes have been made to the budget, the school board hopes that the school district will continue its support of the school board and accept the changes as a part of financial recovery.

“It’s a wise economic choice, even in these hard times, to invest in our future and children,” board member Anne Crowley said.

K.C. McConnell can be reached at kmcconnell@stoganews.com.