The Salem Grade School Board has passed a 5.8-percent increase in the property tax levy for next year over what was collected this year.
Only one person spokes at the Truth in Taxation hearing that was needed as a result of the increase being over 5-percent. Brock Waggoner questioned the district’s need for the extra money.
Later when approving the increase, Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe said the $20,500 in additional money the higher levy will generate will go towards growing needs in special education.
“It will be used for paraprofessionals that are needed whenever we have a IEP that we may have a child that needs an individual or classroom aid that will help with the cost of that salary. Also with students who have to be sent to Bridges, it will also help with that daily cost. Also with transportation it will help with parapro’s, aides or bus monitors that have to be on there, so there is a definite need for it.”
Foppe says in the past ten years the number of paraprofessionals have grown from 15 to 30 with two more needed. She notes the additional support is mandated by the state and is not something the district can decide not to do. Foppe says the levy increase will allow for capture of new construction, but won’t raise the tax levy.
The board approved its annual audit which showed the district had a good cash reserve and could operate 231 days without any additional revenue being received. The district’s financial profile is 3.7-percent, which is the recognition level. The only thing preventing the district from getting a perfect 4.0 score is the amount of bonded indebtedness.
Foppe announced the new multi-purpose building is now complete and Hawthorn students are excited about having an indoor place for physical education and recess when there are poor weather conditions outside.
The board approved its ten year life safety plan that will now go to the State Board of Education for approval. Foppe says most of the work is replacement of doors in both buildings that no longer meet code. The replacement will be spread out over several years.
The board acted on several personnel issues. LeAna Newcomer was hired as a fulltime cook. Resignations were accepted from Susan Jamison as fulltime cook, Abbie Shumate as a paraprofessional at Hawthorn and Megan Green as 4th grade special education teacher.
