HUGHESVILLE — Adopting a 2019-20 preliminary budget that includes a nearly 1 mill real estate tax hike, the East Lycoming School Board is looking to exceed the Act 1 Index of 3.2 percent.

But in his budget presentation to the board, Business Manager Dave Maciejewski made it clear the spending plan is far from a final budget.

State money coming to the district, he noted, including funding for basic and special education, could boost revenue numbers.

Overall, next year’s budget shows an increase of a little more than $1 million over this year.

Among the expected increases are: salary and wages, $217,885; retirement contribution (PSERs), $163,828; special education services, $78,000; and cyber charter/vocational tuition, $45,000.

It also includes an increase of $173,650 in the facility maintenance reserve used for building and infrastructure projects targeted over the next three to five years.

Maciejewski noted in order to remain within the Act 1 index, the tax hike cannot go above 0.44 mills.

He said it’s likely the district will file a special exception with the state for permission to exceed the index.

In other action, the board accepted the retirement of Michael Whitmoyer as maintenance worker.

Superintendent Michael Pawlik said Whitmoyer was a man who cared about people in the district.

“He will be missed,” he said. “He’s an incredible role model for the students.”

The board accepted the resignation of baseball coach Michael Lambert.

Casey Waller was hired as an assistant baseball coach at a stipend of $3,891.

The following personnel were rehired as head coaches: Chris Kish, varsity baseball, $4,449; Dave Dimoff, varsity softball, $4,538; Denise Gorini, varsity boys track, $4,060; Fred Glenwright, varsity girls track, $6,082; Jim Dennis, junior high boys soccer, $3,589; Zane Campbell, junior high girls soccer, $2,554.

The board met in executive session to consider personnel and legal matters.

The board’s next meeting is 7 p.m., March 12, East Lycoming School District, 349 Cemetary St.