Residents within the Quakertown Community School District are looking at a median $81 real estate tax increase based off the school's budget for 2015-16.

        During the district's school board meeting, Thurs. April 23, officials voted unanimously in approval of the proposed budget of $100,336,126 for next school year. However, a final approval vote will come in June 2015.

        The budget includes an $800,000 reserve and reflects a tax increase of 2.1 percent. The millage rate will increase from the current 146.65 mills to 149.73 mills.

        Board Vice President Joyce King warned of impending expenses, stating, "We are staying under the ACT 1 index at a 2.1 percent increase, and that's great, but with that comes great responsibility. We just really need to realize there are a lot of upcoming expenses with the high school renovations. I just ask that everyone keeps that in mind as we move forward."

        In other business, board members approved a resolution that states they plan to call upon state legislators to begin immediate consideration of school employee pension reform.

        The state mandates on contributions to the Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System (PSERS) are increasing by millions each year, officials said.

        Thus, the purpose of the resolution is to push for a reduction in contribution rates for employers which are projected to increase over the next four years and reduce costs to school districts and taxpayers over the next two decades.

        The expectation is for employer contributions to cost the district and taxpayers $34,578,943 between the 2015-16 and 2019-20 school years.

        School board president, Paul Stepanoff, plans to call upon other districts to put pressure on state legislators. He explained, "We are hoping to create a crisis that makes the state take action."

        During the meeting, school board members also heard from James Moczydlowski, principal at Trumbauersville Elementary School regarding his retirement after serving 28 years with the district.

        He spoke of learning many lessons during his time with the district, and remarked, "Hard work really does pay off."

        Moczydlowski added, "This is all really about building a better world and a better future for our kids."

        His retirement effective date is set for July 10.

        Executive director of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), Dr. Barry Galasso, also announced his retirement via letter to school board directors.

        Galasso has served with the BCIU since 2007 and announced his effective date for retirement as September 19, 2015.