Jun 14, 2002 By J.S. Augustine For The 2 min read

GRINDSTONE – The Brownsville Area School District’s finance committee met this week to discuss the possibility of an increase in the district’s millage rate. The discussion comes on the heels of proposed renovations to the existing high school or the possibility of constructing a new high school that will also accommodate junior high students.

“I cannot support the idea of raising the millage up any higher to build a new facility,” said board Director Stella Broadwater.

According to the chairman of the finance committee, John Evans, board officials are uncertain if any of the proposals will be passed.

“We are not sure exactly what we’re going to do at this point,” Evans said.

Currently, the district’s millage rate stands at 32.9 mills. The district must raise the mileage rate an additional 11 mills during the upcoming new fiscal year to help balance the district’s budget.

Included in the increase will be $475,000 that will be used towards the purchase of new textbooks.

“Last year we didn’t buy any new books,” said the district’s business manager William Boucher. “This year will be different.”

Elsewhere, board officials discussed the recent posting of signs throughout the area by “Dedicated Brownsville Area Teachers.”

The signs depict the topics of teachers working without contracts, a dangerous environment (high school) and inadequate facilities. Many of the board officials in attendance had little to say regarding the signs other than some of what was posted on the signs was truthfully stated, while others had no comment.