The Quakertown Community School Board voted to approve the final budget for 2022-2023. The budget for the fiscal year totals $126,481,967. This amount includes $1,250,000 in capital expenditures and $1,200,000 in budgetary reserve.

            In addition, the proposed final budget includes a four percent tax increase, pushing the millage rate to 175.58. The millage for 2020-2021 was 168.83. The 2020-2021 fund use, staffing requirements, contractual increases, mid-year class size reductions and universal full day kindergarten played a role in the tax increase.

            The budget passed 6-2 with board members Brian Reimers and Charles Shermer voting against it. Reimers stated that he does not agree with the budget because the tax increase "sits on the shoulders" of the taxpayers.

"As much as we would not like to raise taxes, our costs are going up," countered member Chris Spear.

            The board has until June 6 to refine and make adjustments.

            During public comment, Lynn Routson addressed the board about the 2022-2023 budget.  Routson was the financial director for the district for many years before early retirement.  She stated that there is a "lack of transparency." During her time as financial director, there was a significant amount of data presented to ensure transparency for the 2020-2021 budget she worked on.  "Where is the information and financial projections?" she asked the board.

            Routson explained that she understands that the board has more information than the public to make decisions. However, there needs to be information available to residents.

            After some discussion regarding her comments, the board said they would post spreadsheets and other budgetary information on the school district's website for residents to review.

            During the legislative report, board member Ronald Jackson said that there are "heavy lifts occurring in Harrisburg" that will impact the district.

"Some big items will be considered by your representatives this year," he said.  Members of the school board will travel to Harrisburg to represent the district in hopes of securing funding. Jackson suggested that residents review the legislative report.

            Wayne Codner, mayor of Richlandtown Borough, addressed the board during public comment. He stated that it was his first time speaking in front of the board. He spoke about the importance of the board approving the BusPatrol partner agreement for the safety of school children.

            BusPatrol America, LLC and the Quakertown School District drafted an agreement for the school bus-stop arm enforcement program. The agreement is intended to enforce traffic safety in regard to school buses and motor vehicles. This agreement allows the vendor to install a stop arm signal enforcement system on each bus within the district's fleet. This includes the installation, operation, and maintenance of the systems. The motion to enter the agreement passed 6-2. Board members Jonathan Kern and Glenn Iosue opposed the agreement.

            In addition, he also told the board that a parent spoke to him about racial slurs spoken to her child.

"This does not feel like this represents the school district," said Codner.

            Residents are encouraged to read through the school board agenda on BoardDocs. School board meeting videos can be found on YouTube. Other important information and links can be found on the district's website.