The Clarion Area School Board passed a budget for 2019-20 that includes an increase in spending but no hike in taxes.
“The budget is fiscally sound,” board President Hugh Henry said Tuesday night. “We are moving into the 2019-20 school year without a tax increase. We are always looking for ways to save money and provide the best for our students.”
The $14,355,306 is an increase of $556,278 from the 2018-19 budget. The budget was balanced with a $387,254 transfer from the fund balance.
There is an increase in medical insurance, 6 percent, and salary increases, according to the labor contracts.
The majority of the district’s revenue continues to come from local revenue, mainly real estate taxes.
Local sources account for 57 percent, or $8,261,400, of the spending plan. The state contributes 37 percent, or $5,338,368. The federal government adds $409,734, or 3 percent of the new budget.
The bulk of the expenses are instructional costs. Salaries and benefits account for $8,872,378, or 62 percent, of the budget. The support staff is 30 percent, or $4,364,520. Student activities cost $443,065, and financing accounting 5 percent of the total package.
Prior to voting on the final budget, the board approved several contracts.
The board unanimously approved the budget presented by the Clarion County Career Center. CCCC is funded by a levy on each of the sending school districts, based on the number of students sent there. Clarion sends 40 students to the technical training center.
A two-year transportation contract was approved with Paul Brown Busing.
The bid for milk and dairy products was awarded to Turner Dairies in the amount of $39,511.60, and the cafeteria budget was approved.
The board accepted, with regret, the resignation of high school Principal John Kimmel, who has accepted the position of superintendent in the Union School District.
The next regular meeting of the board will be June 18 at the high school.