On June 8th, the Quakertown Community School board approved the final budget for 2023-2024. For the third time in four years, there will not be a tax increase.

            The budget for the fiscal year totals $138,298,111. This includes a budgetary reserve.  The proposed millage rate is 172.21, a 0 percent tax increase from the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

            The budget also includes a commitment of fund balance from the general fund for the 2023-2024 capital projects. The amount will be determined by the administration after the annual audit is completed. A fund balance above 8 percent of the operating budget will be committed to capital projects.

            The board unanimously passed the 2023-2024 budget as presented.

            The time frame to have the agenda up for review was also discussed. Board President Glenn Iosue stated that having the agenda up by the Friday or Monday before the Thursday board meeting would allow board members the opportunity to look over the agenda and also allow the administration to change anything on the agenda.

            Under the president's report, the board also discussed board meeting guidelines in order to facilitate efficient use of meeting time and allow all members the opportunity to speak. For example, the guidelines noted speakers should be prepared, mindful of time, respectful and professional. The list also encouraged openness for discussion and debate.

            "Because we are approaching the end of the school year, and I'm an old-school student, I think we should all have to read Robert's Rules of Order at least this summer, if not before the next meeting," said board member Michael Post.

            Board member Charles Shermer shared his thoughts. "We can follow Robert's Rules, which we don't, but Robert's Rules says you have your time period and that's it. You speak once and you're done. I would rather have free and open discussion … rules of engagement are good to have."