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Schools

School Board Gives Final Approval To Budget

Average homeowner will see a $64 tax hike

Making adjustments until the last minute, the Bensalem Township Board of School Directors on Wednesday approved a 2012-2013 budget of $120.6 million.

The spending plan will raise the tax bill of the average township homeowner by about $64.

That compares to an initial estimate in January of $89, but is a little more than the $60 projected at the start of Wednesday's board meeting.

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Board member Elizabeth Cerasi proffered an amendment to raise the millage rate from 141.15 to 144.35, which translated to $4.40 on the tax hike. It was approved on a 5-3 vote, with newest board members Kevin McKay, Matthew Grodsky and Pam Strange dissenting.

The final vote on the budget was approved with the exact same vote.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Total 2012-2013 expenditures represent a decrease of about $40,000 from current-year spending. Revenues stand at $119.895 million, with $703,138 being drawn down to address the majority of the financial gap.

Universal full-day kindergarten has been included in the budget for the first time with a cost of about $700,000. Director of Business Operations Jack Myers repeated Wednesday that eight teaching positions are being added as a result of the full-day kindergarten expansion. He previously said at least 20 expected retirements will likely help the district avoid any furloughs.

Information provided by the Bensalem School District.

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