The proposed budget for 2015-16 has total revenues of $39,658,787 and expenditures of $43, 655,535, leaving a shortfall of $3,996,748.

There will be a transfer of $2,850,000 from the fund balance for capital projects leaving a shortfall of $1,146,748.

The proposed budget was approved during the May 13 meeting of the Northwestern Lehigh School Board.

Total salaries are the largest item in expenses.

Taxes are set at real estate mills, 15. 9631 (no increase), one-half of 1 percent earned income tax, one-half of 1 percent real estate transfer tax and $10, local services tax.

In other matters, Activities Director Jason Zimmerman said the twirling team numbers were so low he questioned keeping it.

With only five on a team an absence means the team cannot compete because five are required. He suggested trying to rebuild it as part of the color guard or to generate a program outside school.

Under public comment, Jennifer Nease said students on a twirling team cannot be in any other sport. The low numbers were due to splitting the team into a high school and middle school team, but if it is returned to a single team the numbers will look good.

She has asked Zimmerman if the twirlers could perform at basketball halftimes but was turned down.

Twirling is something a lot of other schools do not provide.

Board President Paul Fisher said he did not see a benefit in dropping twirling and the parents should meet with Zimmerman.

Mike Sekora's independent study broadcasting class gave a presentation of videos.

Laura Hill gave a powerful presentation about suicide, which she wants to enter in a contest. The presentation ended with "You can prevent this."

Laura Kotula's presentation involved several short videos, in one instance six seconds, about a Polar Bear Plunge and zombies, among others.

Caitlyn Ziemniak presented graphic designs that won her a third place at a computer fair.

Fisher thanked them for sharing their powerful work.

Andrea Modochick-Bachman was named new food service director.

Modochick-Bachman said she is looking forward to being part of the Northwestern family.

Other new hires are Heather Fugazotto, high school language arts; Jordan Smith, high school health and wellness; Elizabeth Ache, high school physics; and Joe Webster middle school health and wellness.

The state sets a requirement of 180 days of school but Act 80 can change that to hours: 900 at the elementary level and 990 at the secondary level.

The seniors because of graduation set for 11 a.m. June 6, Stabler, will have to make use of Act 80 to graduate.

"Journeys," English language text for grades kindergarten through five, are on display in the meeting room for the public to view.

The cost of lunches will be raised by 10 cents for the 2015-16 year. This is a mandated increase. Elementary will be $2.55; middle school, $2.70; high school, $2.95; breakfast, $1,60 and adults, $3.85.

The use of Ehrlich for pest management was approved at $352 per month.

KCBA will develop specifications and accept bids for a fire pump replacement. KCBA's cost will be $2.500.

A steamer was purchased for the high school cafeteria for $13,092 with a two-year warranty.

Approval was given to participate in the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit Technology in Education Legal Counsel consortium.

Livetouch was approved to produce the middle school yearbook for the next three years.

As of that Tuesday night, it was reported that the House voted against requiring every tax increase to go to voter referendum.

The House did vote to pass property tax reform.

Superintendent Mary Anne Wright said it has been described as the most significant property tax vote in decades.

It proposes raising the state's 3.07 percent personal income tax to 3.7 percent and the 6 percent sales tax to 7 percent while expanding the list of items it covers.