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The Montgomery Area School Board at its recent meeting approved a proposed budget for next year that includes a 0.84-mill-tax increase on real estate.
For property owners with a home assessed at $100,000, it will mean an additional $84 in real estate taxes in the coming year.
The millage increase supports a planned building project to renovate the Montgomery Area Athletic & Community Center for junior and senior high school students.
Business manager Grant Evangelisti noted that the $19 million preliminary budget includes no other large spending increases.
In other matters, the board appointed Michael Alexander to fill a vacant board seat.
The vacancy was created with the untimely death of Tony Wright in March.
Alexander, whose term will end in December, was immediately sworn in as a school director.
He represents the borough's Region 1.
Roger McRae, a borough resident, questioned why he was not considered for the board seat.
"Why was I not appointed to replace my late son-in-law's spot?" he asked.
He also questioned why Alexander, as a new board member, was permitted to vote on funding for the building project approved by school directors.
During the meeting, the board recognized Wright's contributions as a board member.
District Superintendent Daphne Bowers said, "Tony Wright truly cared about educating all students."
The board appointed Dana Pick to serve as board vice president and Paula Yeckley as treasurer.
The board acted on various personnel matters.
The resignation of Amy Tagge, sixth grade language arts teacher, was approved. Tagge's resignation is effective Sept. 8.
The board also approved the resignation of Lisa Preitz, special education paraprofessional, effective June 2.
The board approved Rachel Heffelfinger as a special education paraprofessional at $15 per hour.
The following personnel were approved as head varsity coaches for the 2023-24 school year:
• Dave Rovenolt, girls tennis
• John Cloud, golf
• Sierra Aichner, cheerleading
• Allison Ebner, girls soccer
• Michael Sherman, boys soccer
• Royden Parrish Jr., boys basketball
• Mark Hauck, girls basketball
• Denny Harer, wrestling
The board approved a quote from Trafera for Lenovo 500e ChromeBooks at $92,400 for elementary students.
A proposal for the K-12 Autistic Support Curriculum with Teach Town was approved. The cost is $33,391 in the first year, and $5,350 in the next four years.
The board approved a $20,348 proposal from PEMCO for furniture for the Business Education classrooms.
The board approved an agreement with Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania to allow for dual enrollment of Montgomery students at Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield universities.
The district's audit for the year ending June 30, 2022, completed by Richard B. Snodgrass & Co. was approved by the board.
School directors met in executive session to consider legal issues prior to the regular meeting and on May 8.