By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
July is an important revenue month for school districts with the conclusion of the second quarter tax revenue.
Treasurer Nancy Ackerman gave the collection update, which is 5 percent behind last year’s. While this may sound like troubling news, it actually is not. Last school year, the income tax collection was up 14 percent. The district is still not sure where a spike this large came from, and Ackerman is still investigating.
It was not expected for such a surge to be maintained, and even thought the collection numbers are down compared to last year, they are still up from two years ago. Collection of the property tax revenue is up 1.5 percent over last year.
The board approved the purchase of a new 77 seat bus, for $86,252. They purchased an identical bus for this price last year, and their business partner was generous enough to extend last year’s price to this year’s purchase as well.
New Superintendent Mark Robinson excitedly commented on the upcoming school year, which begins next week,
“I think we’re in pretty good shape,” Robinson said.
Teachers report back on Tuesday Aug. 19, and the students Wednesday Aug 20.
The board accepted a donation from the Athletic Boosters club of a 12-feet-by-6-feet trailer for use in transporting the football equipment to away games. This trailer is valued at $2,700. Historically the New Washington Herald has lent the services of one of its trailers for this task, but this is no longer available. School board member Steve Aichholz expressed his gratitude that the Herald had extended this service for several decades.
The next board meeting will be held at 8 p.m., not the traditional 7 o’clock, on Sept. 11 in the multi-purpose room.