By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff

Superintendent Murray Neeper briefly discussed the tentative budget which the board is set to approve during Monday’s regular meeting.

The board previously reviewed the budget during the April 10 meeting. Pertinent key areas of concern include utilities, transportation, fund balance and alternative placement.

Local taxpayers will see a 1.2 millage increase over last year.

“This is well within the Act 1 cost of living index,” Neeper noted.

Currently a property owner with a $50,000 home is paying $736.25 per year for school real estate taxes. This figure will increase by $30 for next year with the 1.2 mill increase.

SMASD Director of Special Services Connie Timashenka, presented information to the board about the strategic planning report, which focuses on the district’s special education initiatives and programs.

The district’s special education plan must be submitted to the late by the end of the month.

Timashenka reviewed various issues in the 36-page report including behavioral support plans and the local continuum of services.

“The report highlights many of our strengths,” Timashenka said.

Among the district’s strength Timashenka pointed out the early intervention services, high quality of teachers, the use of evidence-based programs and students extracurricular activities.

She noted that the current focus in education is on the increase of children with autism. Included in the report is an updated action plan for such students.

Timashenka explained the state’s increasing emphasis on students achieving scores in the proficient and advance standards on the PSSA tests.

“What’s wrong with a student testing in the basic levels?” Timashenka asked. “As long as they are learning to the best of their abilities, that’s what’s important.”

Mark Romain, head of maintenance, presented a brief report on the high school roofing project.

Daily inspection reports are being submitted with current work being performed on the gym roof.

“All of our concerns have been met. Things have been going well so far,” Romain said.