The Salem Community High School Board on a split 4-3 vote Monday night approved a 6.8-percent increase in the district’s property tax levy.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering stuck to the need full 6.8-percent levy increase when some board members raised questions about such a big increase.
Initially, board member Mike McKinzie made a motion for the full 6.8-percent levy increase, but could not get a second. Board member Joe Telford then motioned for the 4.99-percent increase and received a second from Sarah Meador. However, they received no other votes on the proposal and it died. Both felt the district had adequate cash reserves to avoid the larger increase at a time when many were having problems handling the higher prices. After more discussion, McKinzie made a motion again for the 6.8-percent increase. Board member Diana Eller gave a second this time and Marla Tolliver and Eric Bandy added yes votes, while Telford, Meador, and Kyle Ambuehl voted no.
Detering noted the difference between the 4.99-percent increase that some board members favored and the 6.8-percent he proposed was $60,000 a year each year going forward or $600,000 over ten years. He noted that money was needed for continuing renovation of the more than 50-year-old building with cafeteria remodeling, removal of floor tile containing asbestos, and door replacement remaining.
Detering says the district is also looking towards improvements in its career tech education program.
“They may be certified teachers to actually expand offerings or it may be that missing piece in terms of workforce development and having kids out in internship programs. We are hopeful to be able to put something like that into place. It’s a little early on, but that is one of the visions we have in expanding our CTE programs.”
Detering congratulated the board on weighing the pros and cons in a civil fashion.
In other action, the board approved a contract with Bushue Human Resources to help with insurance and human resource issues. Angie Helm was hired as the English department chair, Chad Bryan as the Vocational department chair, and Sarah Buchanan as the kitchen helper.
