The Keystone School Board on Monday evening adopted a balanced preliminary budget of $18,342,712 for the 2023-24 school year. The preliminary budget calls for a 3-mill real estate tax increase.
The final budget must be adopted by the end of June; the income may be changed when the state passes its budget at the end of that month. Although the governor has produced a budget, the state Legislature has yet to do so.
At an earlier meeting, Business Manager Kristopher Willison said the district will see an increase of 8.9% in medical expenses and contracted increases in labor.
The budget will be supported by a real estate tax of $55.87, occupational tax of 300 mills, a flat per capita tax of $10, a realty transfer tax of .5% and a local flat earned income tax rate of .5%.
Board member Jason Say voted against the tax rate.
Prior to the vote, Say asked if the district had received the assessment on school safety. Informed the district had not received the report, he asked if the district would need to amend the budget if the report indicated the need for a school resource officer. He said he would like to discuss the resource officer before final adoption of the budget.
Other business
– The installation of the new high school gym floor has not been completed; so graduation has been moved outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, the commencement exercise will be held in the auditorium.
– The board approved the cost structure for athletic fees for the 2023-24 school year at: one athlete, $150 maximum; first sport, $150; second sport, $50; and additional sports, no additional cost. For a family, there will be a $200 maximum at the following rates: first athlete, first sport $100; second athlete, first sport $100.
– The board approved a five-year agreement to rent two elementary school classrooms to the Jefferson-Clarion Head Start program.
– The board approved several policy changes for the staff, including the policy that monitors conversations in a nonschool setting. Hall said the policy follows school law. The policy will now monitor discussion of school discipline, false statements against the district and threats against co-workers.
The next meeting of the board will is scheduled at 7 p.m. June 12 in the elementary school Library.