Board of Education Meeting - Special Meeting

The Moon Area Board of Education held a special meeting on January 27, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., called to order by the president. Seven directors were present—the president, and six other directors—with two directors absent.

The board approved the preliminary 2016-17 General Fund Budget, moved by a director and seconded by a director. The budget totals a specific amount in available funds, with a specific amount in appropriations and a projected fund balance as of June 30, 2017, down from the balance on July 1, 2016. Discussion centered on the declining fund balance, with directors debating whether prior board decisions had harmed the district's finances. All directors voted in favor on a roll call vote.

The board authorized the administration to file for Act 1 exceptions to the index millage rate limitations, moved by a director and seconded by a director. This seeks Pennsylvania Department of Education approval to increase real estate taxes as reflected in the preliminary budget. All directors voted in disfavor on a roll call vote.

The board authorized the prior solicitor to consult with the current solicitor on district matters, moved by a director and seconded by a director, with all directors voting in favor. The board approved a settlement agreement between the district and Special Education and Behavioral Connections, LLC for leasing a portion of Hyde Elementary School, moved by a director and seconded by a director. The president noted the settlement involves no taxpayer money and frees the district from a prior lease restriction. All directors voted in favor.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. on a motion by a director, seconded by a director, with all directors voting in favor on a voice vote. The clerk and the secretary signed the minutes.