The Indiana School Board passed a budget last night that held the line on taxes.
By a unanimous vote, the $55,595,698 budget was approved, with property taxes remaining at 15.36 mils. A motion to increase taxes in this year’s budget by 1% to be used for security at the elementary schools failed to pass by an overwhelming majority. Board President Walter Schroth said that while they take school security seriously, they want to have details in place on what the money would be used for.
In other business, the board approved filling the vacancy of a full-time secondary English-Language Arts teacher by an internal transfer and eliminating the “on-deck” position at the elementary level. Many students and parents during public comment said that the recent reduction of that position would have a harmful impact, especially on the Journalism and Drama classes. Superintendent Dale Kirsch said that with the position being filled, everything should be status quo for the upcoming school year.
The board also approved a proposal from Gittings Threat Preparedness to conduct active shooter training in the district at a cost of $3500, and the board also approved the 2018-2019 budget for ICTC.
