After more than three hours of discussion and public comment Thursday night, the Quakertown Community School Board voted on a proposed final budget that begins to close the district's $4.7 million budget gap.

          The vote passed with a margin of 8 -1, with Director Robert Smith opposing.

          "It's not perfect. There are things about it people don't like but, for right now, this is the best plan we've got," Director Steaven Klein commented.

          The budget, detailed on the district's website, is one of several options developed by district Superintendent William Harner to close that $4.7 structural deficit while maintaining programming. While the board resisted any increase in taxes throughout the development of the budget, what passed Thursday night raises taxes by 2.9 percent, bringing in an estimated $1.7 million.

          Spending reductions will account for another $1.3 million and include elimination of the district's Cyber and Team Time programs as well as a district level administrative position. In addition, the budget calls for Phase I of the elementary school consolidation to begin with kindergarten classes.

          Several students and parents spoke about the potential impact of losing the Cyber Program, specifically. Harner reported to the board in March that fewer than 15 students are currently enrolled in the program, adding that those who wish to continue would have the option of enrolling in a cyber charter school.

          While Smith expressed concern over the impact of the program's closure, Director Austin Sedicum explained that the intention is to establish another cyber program to take its place.

          "The idea is to build it in a way where we can watch the budget a little more closely," Sedicum said.

          The closure of Milford Middle School, estimated to save the district another $1 million, was not included as part of the proposed budget but will still be considered at a hearing tentatively set for July 2017.

          Any remaining funds needed to close the shortfall will be pulled from the district's fund balance.

          "This is going to put us in position to be a better place a year from now, two years from now, three years from now," Klein said.