The is scheduled to adopt a proposed 2001-2012 budget Wednesday night that would raise the average tax bill by $43.
As of about a month ago, the spending plan totaled $118.9 million and included $5.3 million in increased expenditures despite about $3 million less in state aid and about $2 million in lost federal stimulus money.
The higher expenditures include $1.6 million for the Public School Employees Retirement System and $1 million in medical insurance and federal payroll costs.
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Business director Jack Myers said March 23 that the administration was still hoping to cut another $800,000 before this week's board's action.
One decision that still needs to be made is whether the district can continue its full-day kindergarten pilot program in the face of state cuts. The preliminary budget includes about $225,000 to continue six classes but Superintendent Bill Gretzula has said he prefers that the program be expanded. Gretzula has said a decision does not need to be made this week.
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The board is scheduled to adopt a final 2011-2012 budget June 8. Before that, it will hold a question-and-answer meeting May 25.
The latest preliminary budget would raise the school tax rate by 1.95 mills to 141.4. Myers said it would lift the tax bill of a township resident assessed at the median value of $22,000 by $42.96.
The budget hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the administration building at 3000 Donallen Drive.
