MTLSB Presents Preliminary Budget

The school board presented a $71.8 million base preliminary budget on Monday that has a lower proposed millage hike than the budget it presented in January to comply with state Act 1.

The new budget calls for a 0.44-mill increase. The earlier budget called for a 0.85-mill hike.

Even the proposed 0.44 mill increase is a "worst possible number," said Finance Director Jan Klein.

She said she expects the amount of the millage increase to drop after the district gets formal retirement notices. She said 12 teachers and four administrators plan to retire, which will save money.

She said department heads were asked to make 5 percent cuts in their budgets from last year if possible, which is reflected in the budget total. There are $300,000 in program change proposals not currently included in the budget.

They are: Expansion of the foreign language program into fifth grade; the continued employment of a math/science facilitator for middle school; new elementary math textbooks; and a math facilitator to work with teachers to change curriculum to match textbooks. At its discussion meeting Monday, the board will get a list of proposed changes to the budget, Ms. Klein said.

Link: www.postgazette.com/pg/07067/767593-55.stm