SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Homeowners in the Williamsport Area School District will not be paying more for real estate taxes if the district’s 2023-24 proposed general fund budget which was presented this week receives final approval next month.

Real estate taxes will remain at the current rate of 17.24 with Act 511 taxes, which are earned income and real estate transfer, will stay at 1.5% and 0.5% respectively.

The total estimated expenditures for 2023-24 are $118.7 million, and the estimated fund balance and revenue available for appropriation is $125.4 million.

“As long as everything continues the way we anticipate it to be at the state level, we expect to be also bringing your final budget to you at the June board meeting for consideration — again, without a tax increase this year,” said Wanda Erb, business administrator and board secretary.

The budget will now be advertised for 30 days before final approval.

Under personnel, the board accepted the resignations of the following staff: Eric S. Weaver, special education teacher at the middle school; Jeffery B. O’Neill, part-time custodian at Lycoming Valley Intermediate School; and Yahziah J. Slaughter, part-time aide at the high school.

The following people were hired for the positions and the rate of pay listed, if applicable: Todd Nagy, full-time special education teacher at the high school, $63,321; Makayla A. Force, full-time special education teacher at the middle school, $54,706; Carly Oliver, full-time special education teacher at Curtin Intermediate School, $54,706; Ian Perry, full-time social studies teacher at the middle school, $54,706; Eric P. Holz, long-term substitute teacher, $54,706; Megan N. Murray, long-term substitute teacher at the high school, $54,706; Geoffrey S. Waltz, long-term substitute teacher, $54,706; Stephanie M. Kidd, full-time administrative support at Cochran Primary School, $30,555 prorated for 2022-23 or $31,469 for 2023-24; Tammi L. Laurenson, part-time aide at Cochran Primary School, $15.06 per hour; Kati M. Walters, part-time aide at Jackson Primary School, $15.06 per hour; Kristopher T. DeRemer and Gwen L. Cebulka, certified substitute teachers, $150 per day; Theresa J. Levins, non-certified substitute teacher, $100 per day; Jeffrey A. Beagle, substitute aide, $12 per hour; Timothy A. Miller, career and technical education teacher as a production printer; and Shannon K. Oeler, RN, substitute health room technician, $32 per hour.

The following people were approved for temporary summer work for academic recovery — fifth marking period at the rate established through a collective bargaining agreement: high school and middle school — Rebecca L. Harding, attendance compliance specialist, $21.80 per hour; Christie M. Peck, social worker; Cordell A. Faltz, counselor; high school only — George H. Plowman Jr., English; Nicholas E. Yevics, mathematics; Jessica M. Hollingsworth, part-time aide, $18.36 per hour; Alix Lang, monitor only via Edgenuity, science; Vikki L. Cipriani, social studies; Todd Nagy, special education; middle school only — Kyle C.Weaver, intervention specialist, $20.53 per hour; Amanda Kurtz, mathematics; Kaylie F. Schans, English; Daun W. Williamsport, non-certified substitute, social studies; and Marcia L. McCann, special education.

Student assistance teams for the 2022-2023 school year approved at the stipend rate is $1,200 per year per the stipend schedule are: middle school — Loren E. Collins, Olivia K. Erb, Emily B. Linn, Michael B. Lundy, Marcia L. McCann, Christie M. Peck, Tamra L. Rook and Sara E. Watson; and high school — Jessica A. Becker, Julie A. Caringi, Kaitlin L. Eck, David R. Ferry, Susan E. McGehean, Jeremy S. Steppe, Amy M. Weaver, Jennifer Y. Weaver, Jessica A. Keeler, and Kevin J. Harris (half-year stipend only).

Approved for work on the middle school musical production at the stipend listed were Jennifer L. Wright, $1,200; Donald J. Fisher and Ashley V. Muchler, $960 each.

Teachers as after school tutors (Keystone Tutoring) for high school students, as needed for the remainder of the school year at the rate of $31.20 per hour, are Andrew L. Paulhamus, science; Cara S. Zortman, science; Patti A. Miller, math; Tyler J. Farabaugh, math; Nicole L. Gilson, English; and Megan N. Murray, English.

Several curriculum items were approved, including the purchase and adoption of the Hope Squad basic curriculum, which is a research-based suicide prevention program, and an agreement with Special Olympics PA to implement a unified Bocce ball team at the high school.

The next board meeting will be at 6 p.m June 13 at the District Service Center, 2780 W. Fourth St.