Published: August 23, 2008 10:40 pm         

Vigo school board to conduct hearing on budget

TERRE HAUTE — The Vigo County School Board will conduct a hearing on the 2009 budget when it meets at 7 p.m. Monday in the administration building, 686 Wabash Ave.

Next year, taxpayers will see a significant decrease in property tax rates and levies necessary to support the school district.

That’s because the state will fully fund the general (operating) budget, part of recent state legislation aimed at providing property tax relief.

The school district advertised a $154.3 million total budget for 2009.

That includes a $115 million general fund budget; $8.7 million for debt service; $20.8 million, capital projects; $6.7 million, school transportation; $1.8 million, bus replacement; $920,000 for the special education preschool budget.

During its regular meeting, the board will be asked to approve a one-year collective bargaining agreement with teachers that will give them a 2.5 percent salary increase for 2008-09. Teachers have already approved it.

Also, the administration will ask the board to approve an estimated $100,000 for emergency repairs to schools necessary because of damages caused by June 7 flooding. Repairs occurred at Hoosier Prairie Elementary, Honey Creek Middle School, Otter Creek Middle School and Terre Haute South Vigo High School. The repairs include HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems and flooring. The funds would come from the Capital Projects Fund.

The board also will be asked to approve changes in the way the district offers adult education as well as night school credit recovery classes.