J-M board approves resolution to limit tax hike to state index
JEFFERSON – Jefferson-Morgan School Board approved a resolution Tuesday stating that the board will not increase property taxes for the 2011-12 school year by more than the index set by the state. The district’s current tax rate is 23.09 mills. If the district votes to raise taxes, the amount cannot exceed 2.1 percent or .49 of a mill.
Under the Taxpayer Relief Act, the state Department of Education requires that the board approve a resolution to not exceed the index by Jan. 30. Under the Act, school districts can increase taxes over the index, but must seek early approval.
In other business, the board granted approval for the sixth-grade students to complete a pre- and post-test survey as part of the Stay on Track Program, part of the National Center for Prevention and Research Solutions’ Race Against Drugs campaign. School staff and the National Guard will conduct three sets of 12 sessions that focus on health education, decision making and goal setting, communications and media influences.
The board also approved the high school course description book for the 2011-12 school year.
In personnel matters, the board hired Jessica Bazzoli as a substitute school nurse, added Lenora Stanko and Marie Pogue to the substitute support staff and placed John McNamara Jr. and Alan Mattei on the bus driver substitute list.
The board accepted the resignation of Pogue as elementary clerical aide and approved the posting or advertising for the vacant position. The board also accepted the resignation of Shanna Yourchik as middle school girls volleyball coach and voted to advertise for the positions of varsity volleyball coach, assistant varsity volleyball coach and middle school girls volleyball coach.
Other personnel moves included the approval for Miranda Richards, a West Virginia University student, to complete physical education student teaching requirements and Lori Gamble to complete student teaching requirements both at the elementary school during the 2011 spring semester.
The board also:
n Approved a field trip for the junior class to the Pittsburgh College Fair at the Convention Center on Feb. 3. Total cost will be $385 for one bus, or $685 for two buses, depending on the number of students attending.
n Granted approval for Jennifer Foringer, Gina Rafail and Adam Swinchock to attend the A/CAPA conference in Hershey on March 9-11 at an approximate cost to the district of $2,096.