At a special board meeting June 22, the Salisbury Township School District Board of Directors unanimously approved the final 2016-2017 general fund operating budget of $36,097,038. Board member Samuel DeFrank was not present for the vote.

The board approved using $760,508 from the fund balance to balance the 2016-2017 budget requiring a 2 percent increase to the taxpayer.

“It is important to note the board approved the budget below the Act 1 index,” Business Administrator Robert Bruchak said. “The Act 1 index is 2.4 percent and Salisbury’s approved increase is 2 percent.”

Several contracts were also approved including a one year KidsPeace contract to have the district act as a local education agent for KidsPeace to receive funds, a Blackboard website and mobile app contract effective July 1, a SchoolMessenger renewal service agreement, an emergency operations mobile app contract with Lauren Innovations for NaviGate Prepared for $4,000 and the three year contract between the district and BrightBytes for the technology and learning Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition Model applications and services.

In personnel news, the superintendent and assistant superintendent salaries were approved for the 2016-2017 school year. The salary for Verna Schuon, director of transportation was approved through her retirement date of July 15.

The board approved the following employees: Vicky Evener, of Allentown, as a full-time transitional learning support teacher at Salisbury High School effective Aug. 23; Sara Kimble, of Coopersburg, as a full-time reading specialist teacher at Harry S Truman Elementary School effective Aug. 23; Mark Donnelli, of Mertztown, as the director of transportation effective July 6; Paula Douris, of Schnecksville, as the soccer/football cheerleader coach for the 2016-2017 school year; Melanie Sepulveda-Rosado for the 2016 summer custodial help program and Taylor Vasilik and Dane Galbraith for the 2016-2017 summer technology help program.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. July 13 if needed. Residents should check the activity calendar at the school district website www.stsd.org for meeting confirmation.