Interboro approves 2014-15 budget, with tax increase

by Courtney Elko DCNN Correspondent

The Interboro School Board unanimously approved the final 2014-15 school budget at last Wednesdays school board meeting. Board member Deborah DiBattista was absent from the meeting.

Residents will see an increase of 0.4941 mills with the approved $58.4 million budget a 1.5 percent tax increase.

Residents with an average assessed home of $90,000 will see a school tax bill increase of about $45, according to district Superintendent Bernadette Reiley.

Residents saw a 2.3 percent tax increase in last years $57.5 million budget, Reiley said.

About 64 percent of the 2014-15 budget expenditures will go toward instructional salaries, Reiley explained.

The district will also see a few improvements with the approved budget, including a full-time librarian at Prospect Park School, professional development for teachers, districtwide concrete work, safety and security enhancements, and HVAC replacements at Norwood and Tinicum schools. Additionally, the high school will see painting, exterior signage, a piano for the auditorium and other improvements.

Technology within the district will also see improvements, including the reinstatement of the director of technology position, an upgrade to the server system, a new website, districtwide printing stations and phone system.

Board member Paul Eckert said he was in favor of the budget, which will do a lot to upgrade technology and programs throughout the district.

I know a 1.5 percent increase may not sound like bargain, but it really is for all that were getting (with that increase), Eckert said.

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Interboro approves 2014-15 budget, with tax increase