Special Board of Education Meeting

The Moon Area Board of Education held a special meeting on May 6, 2013, to discuss the 2013-2014 Proposed Final General Fund Budget. Five directors were present, with a sixth director arriving at 6:15 p.m. The board did not vote on the budget this evening; instead, the Finance Director presented two options: a tax increase paired with a transfer from the capital projects fund, or no tax increase and no transfer. If approved, the tax increase would equate to a specific amount per median assessed property.

Discussion centered on the district's property reassessment. The Vice President explained that the millage rate would drop from 21.3 to 17.9977 due to reassessment, rising to 18.3576 with the allowed 2% index increase. A director clarified that the school board sets the millage while the county sets assessments, noting the apparent reduction was not the board's doing. A director raised concerns about pending appeals potentially affecting the final figures, and the Finance Director warned that appeal outcomes might not be known for up to four years.

The superintendent urged the board to raise taxes, warning that declining to do so would mark five consecutive years of no increases, permanently forfeiting that revenue under Act 1. The superintendent cautioned that failing to act could threaten the closure of elementary schools. The Vice President and another director opposed a tax increase, while a director advocated for conservatism to protect future needs. A director requested that both budget versions appear on the next meeting's agenda for continued discussion. The board scheduled a vote on the proposed final budget for May 13, 2013. A director requested information on total debt and annual payment schedules for the next meeting. The board adjourned at 6:50 p.m. after the Vice President moved and another director seconded the motion, followed by an executive session on personnel.