As scheduled, the East Penn School Board passed its $141 million 2015-2016 budget June 22.

The newest budget includes an increase in revenue of $197,213, which was applied toward the total tax increase. Residents of the district will realize a 3.30 percent real estate tax increase per this budget.

Even with a tax increase, the district is not able to meet expenses with its revenues in this budget, and some portion of the budgetary reserve will have to be used, which has caused some concern both from residents of the district vocalizing public opinion and from board members who nonetheless voted for the budget after expressing the inherent difficulty of doing so.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Schilder made a brief announcement prior to the vote regarding the revenue increase and explained it has resulted from savings in retirements, salaries and the Public School Employees' Retirement System, as well as from tax assessment increases.

The total budget is $141,389,136 with a real estate tax of 17.215 mills per dollar assessed valuation.

Board Director Lynn Donches dissented to the vote. She said she could not support a budget that realized 10 percent cuts to building budgets and central office reductions impacting students. Donches argued against rising costs to teacher and administrative salaries and benefits, and in contracts for professional services, which she said could have been curtailed in contract negotiations and through requests for proposals.

"I can't support it because I don't feel everything possible has been done to make the most for the taxpayers," Donches said.

Board Director Rebecca Heid was hesitant to approve the budget with a tax increase, asking once more for assurance from Schilder's administration the future budgets would improve with increased revenues from taxable real estate.

"Every implication we have," Schilder said, "is there will be a positive change in tax revenue." He went on to say the "robust discussion" in that budget development period will be where to spend those dollars.

While Heid said she was still hoping to bring the tax increase down to the index, she cast her vote in favor of the budget.

Ann Thompson addressed the board to share her thanks for work of the administration and the staff, saying too often the only people standing in front of the microphone are unhappy with the board.

"I think you're doing a marvelous job," Thompson said. "I'm very grateful for the job you're doing."

The board received supportive statements from two others as well, who each thanked board members for their support of students and faculty.

Shortly after, the board approved the Act 93 compensation/non-bargaining unit salaries effective July 1, also with Donches dissenting. Donches had asked the board not to approve the motion, saying "We could make a big difference here."

A new policy appeared on the agenda for a first reading, regarding use of service animals in district buildings for both students and district employees. The policy will be reviewed at a second reading July 13 and be scheduled for approval by the board at the following meeting Aug. 10.

The board approved the renewal of Assistant Superintendent Denise Torma's contract for five years effective July 1. Francee Fuller thanked Torma for her years of service and counsel to the board and said she was an asset to the district. Board President Alan Earnshaw explained Torma's contract extension is a new requirement and he was glad to be putting it in place.

The vote passed with Donches dissenting.