At last Thursday's meeting the Quakertown Community School board discussed the proposed final budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024. The total amount of the budget is $131,705,417. This amount includes $2,235,000 in capital expenditures and $1,200,000 in budgetary reserves.

            The proposed millage rate for a tax increase is 175.65. This is a 2% increase over the 2022-2023 millage rate of 172.21.

            The board stressed that this is a proposed budget and not the final budget. It is required to be submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This budget is under further review for cost reduction possibilities in order to consider a zero percent tax increase for the final budget.

            "We always start the budget at a high tax increase and then lower it because for some reason, that seems to be the protocol and we do it without some of the state numbers…and I'm at full expectation that the final budget will be at zero percent...I'm just making that point. Don't panic," said Vice President Jon Kern.

            A motion was made to amend the proposed final budget with a salary increase for staff of $250,000 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The roll call vote passed unanimously.

The final vote on the budget will be at the June 8th school board meeting.

            Under the fiscal consent agenda, the board discussed the approval of a contract between Celerity's Fiber Optic Cable Maintenance and Emergency Services with Quakertown Community School District for the fiscal school year July 7, 2023 to June 30, 2024. The cost of this service is $3,900.

            The board unanimously approved this proposed contract as presented.