May 21, 2004 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

CARMICHAELS – The Carmichaels Area School District’s tentative 2004-2005 budget drew criticism Thursday night from the school board president, who questioned proposed spending increases in several budget areas. The $11,993,993 proposed tentative financial plan includes a 57 percent increase for field trips, a 200 percent increase for charter schools and additions of an added computer support technician and a custodian.

Board President J.L. Lechner questioned all the increases and sought an explanation for a more than 500 percent increase in the miscellaneous funds balance from about $8,000 to more than $52,000.

“We need to look at these grants, because ultimately the taxpayer is the one who pays,” Lechner said.

Business Manager Richard Belczyk said the increase in the miscellaneous funds is due to a scholarship program and that the additional funds will be recovered by private donations.

Lechner still said the spending plan was excessive.

“Our taxpayers are getting ripped off,” he said.

Shortly after 9 p.m., the board entered into an executive session to discuss legal matters pertaining to the approval of the tentative budget.

The board also entered executive session to discuss two proposals for food service in the district, one made by current food provider Sodex Co. and a proposal from Nutrition Inc. The board heard from a 29-year cafeteria employee who favored the district’s retaining Sodex Co.

The board also entered the closed meeting to discuss a salary adjustment for the superintendent.

The board also conducted the following business:

– Accepted the resignation of band director Joanne Walker and the retirement of Lura Ann Cree as an elementary teacher in the district.

– Voted to allow each valedictorian for the 2004 graduating class the opportunity to speak at commencement for five minutes.

– Heard from Debbie Miller, cheerleader booster, about the cheerleading coach position, after the resignation of former coach Sharon Rodavich. She urged the board to consider an unnamed teacher within the district.

– Heard from district auditor Jim Milinovich, who reported that the auditors discovered nothing significant in the school’s 2003 audit.