SE Greene board holds line on property taxes
MAPLETOWN — Southeastern Greene School Board adopted a 2014-15 budget on recently that keeps the property tax rate steady.
District business manager Pat Sweeney said the $10,650,320 budget is about $250,000 more than last year’s budget.
“The increase is due almost exclusively to the district’s contribution of employee retirement,” he said.
The district’s current millage is set at 0.23. At that rate, a resident with property in the district assessed at $50,000 would pay about $1,150 annually.
Dircetor Rick Barzanti pointed out that the board not only has averted a tax increase over the last 10 years, but also made efforts to lower the millage rate twice during that time.
“We never try to deny or cut back on educational needs,” board President Joe Spiker said. “This is definitely something to be proud of.”
The board also approved a 7.5 percent discount, which is available for those who pay their taxes in full between July 1 and Sept. 30.
A 10 percent penalty rate also was approved, and will apply to property taxes paid between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31. On Jan. 1, 2015, all unpaid property taxes will be considered delinquent and turned over to Greene County. Sweeney said the penalty rate remains unchanged from previous years.
The board also approved the 2014-15 operating budget for the Greene County Career and Technology Center in the amount of $2,368,546. Sweeney said that represents about a $30,000 increase from the current year’s budget, which is due to retirements. The district’s contribution to the budget will be about $270,000.
In other matters, the board approved the resignation of Superintendent William Henderson III, who served the district for four years. Henderson will move on to serve as superintendent in the Frazier School District. His resignation is effective Aug. 4, or sooner as determined by the board.
“It’s been truly an honor and a privilege to serve this district,” Henderson said. “The teachers and administration have been extremely supportive, and I hope that the improvements we’ve made will be sustainable. I feel that the district is in good shape both financially and academically.”
The board also accepted the resignation of high school English teacher Deborah Dugan, effective June 20.
Tenure was granted to the following district employees: Gabrielle Bokat, elementary special education; Thomas Fink, guidance counselor; Wes Loring, high school special education teacher; April Masciarelli, elementary special education teacher; and Breanna Scears, high school special education teacher.
The board also voted to add the following to the professional substitute list: Christine Spiker, Robin Emerson and Danielle Reed.
Meanwhile, the board held a brief recognition ceremony for 2013-14 retirees. Barbara Grimm was recognized for serving the district for 25 years as part of the custodial staff. Joy Born served the district for 35 years, starting out as a teacher for gifted students before teaching home economics, the third grade and then first grade, where she ended her career.
In other business, the board approved the $24,616 purchase of security cameras from Diagnostic Electronic Services. The cameras will upgrade the existing camera system at Bobtown Elementary School, and include eight additional cameras. The cameras are being paid for by the Safe School Grant.
By an 8-1 vote, the board approved a $9,350 purchase of two wrestling mats. Director Gary Moser voted against the purchase as the coach did not seek at least a second quote.
Board Vice President Janet Pennington said the mats are expected to pay for themselves as having two additional mats will allow the district to now host tournaments.
Meanwhile, Henderson reported that the district was awarded a $29,000 grant from the Greene County Community Foundation for a WeatherBug station, which can track weather in real time. The station will be located at the high school, but can be used by the whole district.
The district also was awarded a $20,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) grant funded by the Grable and Benedum Foundations. Henderson said the grant will be used for a small science lab at the elementary school.
In other matters, the following were hired for 2014-15 coaching positions: John Johnston, middle school head football coach; Robert Springer, varsity and elementary band director; Charles Vankirk, head middle school wrestling coach; Josh Porterfield, head middle school boy’s basketball coach; and Brian Lewandowsky, head varsity baseball coach.
The meeting will reconvene at 6 p.m. July 7 so the board can take action on several agenda items that were tabled.