A good turnout for the 2015-16 Hillsboro School District annual meeting Monday night approved a tax levy of $2,302,710 with an estimated mill rate of $11.57 per $1,000 of property value.
In comparison, the 2014-2015 mill rate was $10.14/$1,000 based on a tax levy of $2,015,917.
Superintendent Curt Bisarek addressed the financial situation in a message concerning the overall budget.
“Over the past year the School District of Hillsboro has undergone many experiences and improvements that I believe have made the District stronger.
“First and foremost is the approval of a four-year referendum to exceed the revenue limit. By passing this referendum, the District is now able to maintain the programming and services that have allowed us to perform at a high level.”
He added that the referendum will also allow the district to correct maintenance issues that have been identified.
The district has completed the following projects over the past few months:
• Replacement of carpet in the middle/high school library areas;
• Installation of lower maintenance flooring in two elementary classrooms;
• Renovating two restrooms in the high school;
• Installed two new unit ventilators in middle/high school classrooms.
“Over the next three years, the District will continue to identify projects and improvements that are deemed necessary,” Bisarek said.
Board President Jenny Hynek was elected to chair the Annual Meeting and Board Secretary Jan Levy was elected to keep the minutes as the District Clerk.
After reports from the auditor, treasurer, clerk, and superintendent, Business Manager Mindy Boldon gave a presentation and hearing on the new budget.
The tax levy was adopted through a vote by those present at the meeting.
Board salaries of $2,100 for officers and $1,785 for directors were then renewed for another year by vote of those attending the meeting.
Ten minutes after the close of the annual meeting, the School Board opened its regular meeting and approved the hiring of Library Aide Monica Verbsky and Paraprofessional Shelley Astle.
The Board also completed a second reading of policies pertaining to educational options and the Notice of a Special Need Scholarship Program.
The Board then approved a 1.62% increase collective bargaining agreement covering base wages with the Hillsboro Education Association for 2015-16.
The next regular School Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 19, in the High School library conference room.
