The East Penn School District Board of School Directors adopted the proposed 2017-2018 final budget at the May 8 meeting. The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Rebate Program will continue for the 2017-2018 school year.

The $148,463,629 budget includes: 18.2102 mills on the assessed valuation of real estate, 0.5 percent (.005) Act 511 earned income tax and 1 percent Act 511 real estate transfer tax.

Before the vote, Director Carol Allen asked if the district could tap into the reserve to lessen the 2.9 percent tax increase, instead of possibly using the money for part of the technology budget. Superintendent Dr. Michael Schilder said the budget was “solid” and to do so would not significantly lower the tax increase. He said feedback he received from parents and senior citizens groups, even when the tax increase was projected to be a 3.77 percent increase, supported the proposed budget.

“They are very, very committed to the school district,” Schilder said, adding he was told, “We want this district to not just rest on its laurels, not just to maintain, but to improve …”

Dr. Ziad Munson praised the budget process and the use of “layman’s terms” throughout to make it easier for average people to comprehend.

Board President Alan Earnshaw cited data from a Pennsylvania study of the 2014-2015 school year showing East Penn school district spent 1.8 percent below the state medium per pupil and 6.6 percent below means compared to the rest of the commonwealth. The district ranked 461/500 for receiving state funding in the same school year.

Voting to approve the budget were Paul Champagne, Munson, vice president Dr. Ken Bacher, Rebecca Heid and Earnshaw.

Chris Donatelli and Carol Allen voted against the budget.

Rev. Waldemar Vinovskis and Charles H. Ballard did not attend the meeting.

Schilder announced Emmaus High School senior Eric Chihocki was named East Penn Conference Scholar-Athlete Trifecta in boys basketball, baseball and golf. “It is quite an achievement to be a scholar-athlete in one sport, Eric has made three sports in one season!” Schilder said. Chihocki plans to attend Lehigh University, according to the superintendent.

The school board approved the voluntary transfer of Lynn Brinckman from Shoemaker Elementary School to replace retiring Dr. Jacqueline Attinello as principal of Lincoln Elementary School effective Aug. 21.

Personnel retiring from the district in June include: EHS math teacher Teresa Porzuczek-Melin, Macungie Elementary School guidance counselor Donna Smith, EHS instructional assistant Cheryl Calianno and food service employee Diane Schantzenbach from Macungie Elementary School.

EHS custodian Harry Brown and Eyer custodian Forrest Heckman will retire in July.

Rebecca Heid reported CVS has reached out to Lehigh Career and Technical Institute regarding opportunities for “non-traditional students.” She mentioned several LCTI students have received top awards at recent competitions.

Allen reported the students at the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit recently participated in a successful four-part fundraising effort.

Having attended a Pennsylvania School Boards Association meeting recently, Champagne said PSBA is concerned House Bill 97 does not adequately address the issues with charter and cyber school funding experienced by area school districts. He advised fellow board members to contact the office of Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, about these concerns.

Prior to the public meeting, an executive session was held regarding matters of real estate.

The East Penn Board of School Directors meet 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled May 22 in the board room of the administration building.