Staff writer
The USD 398 Board of Education approved a 5.2-percent tax increase Monday.
The district is increasing the budget by 3.58 mills, going to 69.23 mills total. USD 398’s total tax levy is roughly equivalent $677 of taxes on an $85,000 home in the district.
The funding increase will cover expenditures in capital outlay. Recent capital outlay projects include roofing the cafeteria and vocational agriculture building for $88,000 and repairing an air conditioner for $16,000.
The district also budgeted a raise for staff and a stipend for teachers in 2012-13. Teachers will receive an $800 one-time stipend after Jan. 1. Administration and staff will receive a 0.3-percent raise.
Superintendent Ron Traxson said a tax increase was necessary because of declining enrollment in the district and the subsequent decrease in state based aid. Peabody-Burns schools had an enrollment of 291 students in 2011-12 and Traxson said it will have about 270 students this year.
The district is using $372,000 in bond and interest to pay off a building project. The payments for that project will be complete in 2015.
In other business:
- Brenda Tofteland was named as a half-time vocal teacher.
- The board approved a $750 anonymous gift to Peabody-Burns Elementary School. Principal Ken Parry said the money would go toward a fund for students in need.