The proposed budget also includes a $91,080 anticipated grant for the creation of a pre-kindergarten class that will serve 18 students.

The participants will be chosen by lottery from a waiting list, Harrica said.

If the budget is adopted as proposed and the pre-K program created, a teacher and a teaching assistant will be added to the staff.

HIGHER COSTS

The healthy financial picture does have a few worrisome spots, he said; the contractual costs, such as teacher retirement, health insurance and workers compensation, have gone up a total of 7.71 percent.

Utility costs have also gone through the roof.

"Last year, we budgeted at $2 a gallon for fuel," Harrica said, "and this year, we've gone to $3.50 a gallon. But that won't even do it."

He said the School Board increased its fuel and electricity budget by $148,500 -- or 65 percent -- over this year's budget to cover expected cost increases.

"It's our No. 1 concern. It's scary, and that's why we're so happy to be able to offer the taxpayers some relief."

SCHOOL BOARD

Two School Board seats, held by incumbents David Roach and Scott Beach, are up for election this year.

Roach is seeking another three-year term, but Beach has decided not to run again. William Harrigan is the only person who has submitted a petition for the other open School Board seat.

Residents will also be asked to decide May 20 whether to allow the district to purchase two school buses at a cost not to exceed $120,043.

draymo@pressrepublican.com