School board members completed the closing discussion on the 2015-2016 final budget at the June 1 operations committee meeting.

Since the previous meeting, no new information has been added to the proposed budget; however the budget will include a 1.2 percent tax increase.

The state is increasing the amount of funds given to the district for the Homestead Tax Relief totaling $626,000. The administration is looking to have the board approve the final budget June 17.

Postage meters in both the administration building and the high school need to be replaced in order to increase efficiency while mass mailing.

Business Administrator Robert Bruchak recommended leasing both units for 48 months in order to replace the meters as technology improves.

The cost of student accident insurance did not increase this year and remains at $31,800. The district will remain with the same insurance agency to maintain the affordable rate.

The I.M.P.A.C.T. Club is requesting a new student activity account in order to keep track of funds. The group is looking to have fundraisers to collect money for student scholarships, as well as accept donations.

Harry S Truman Elementary School, Western Salisbury Elementary School and Salisbury Middle School are in need of new furniture for teachers. Some of the furniture has not been replaced in 15 years. Furniture will be chosen to match the changing learning environment. The estimated cost to replace student and teacher furniture district-wide is $450,000. It is possible to begin replacing teacher furniture this summer and the board predicts replacing all of the furniture could take about three years.

The fuel bid this year shows savings for the district, with 87 octane costing $2.46 per gallon and diesel costing $2.25 per gallon.

There was a second reading on policies 203, 209, 210, 222, 815 and 822 presented by Superintendent Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss.

On June 17 the board will meet to approve and vote on these policies.

The next operations committee meeting is Aug. 10.