During the June 28 regular meeting of the Board of School Directors, the Board approved the General Fund Budget of the Methacton School District for the 2016-2017 fiscal year in the amount of $104,544,052 requiring a millage of 28.74 and an increase in property tax of 3.0%. This 3.0% tax increase translates to increase of $151.84 for a home assessed at the district average of $180,767.

The Board received an update on the status of the proposed final budget at the June 21 work session meeting and again at the June 28th meeting outlining further expenditure reductions. The approved budget included a reduction in expenditures of $997,000 resulting from resignations, early retirement incentive, and the elimination/movement of positions. Additional expenditure reductions included $309,000 from changes to the School Resource Officer program and medical insurance program. Other noteworthy expenditure reductions include $425,000 in bond refinancing. In total, expenditures were reduced by $2.3 Million from the January preliminary budget proposal.

"While we are faced with the challenge of balancing our budget each year under the Act 1 state process, it took a great deal of work among my administration, my Board and I to arrive with a budget that keeps our instructional programs and services in place while minimizing the costs to our taxpayers," Dr. Zerbe noted.

"I am thankful that our community supports great schools for our children. While a tax increase is never an easy decision, it is however, appropriate at this time as we remain focused on the future of the district and the education of our children," he added.

The Methacton School District final general fund budget may be downloaded from the website here.

Principal Appointments

The Board approved the appointment of Debra Euker as principal of Woodland Elementary School, a position previously held by Dr. Zanthia Reddish, who was recently appointed principal of Eagleville Elementary School. Ms. Euker has served the students of Methacton for nearly 20 years, having served most recently as interim assistant principal at Skyview Upper Elementary School.

In addition, the Board approved the appointment of Amy Mangano as principal of Arcola Intermediate School, a position previously held by Lu Page, who retired from her position. Ms. Mangano comes to Methacton from the New Hope Solebury School District, where she held the position of elementary principal. Ms. Mangano also served in the roles of middle school principal, supervisor of guidance services, and guidance counselor in Wissahickon School District

Board Goals

Members of the Board of School Directors have been working to develop goals for the 2016-2017 school year. These leadership goals are designed to align with the 2016-2022 Methacton School District Strategic Plan, "A Blueprint for Success." Approved during the Board's June 28 meeting, these goals are:

1. Provide leadership, direction, and resources that support the goals set forth in the 2016-2022 strategic plan.
   
2. Exhibit transparent communications within the Board and with the public while establishing standards for clear and consistent communication of fiscal matters of the district.
   
3. Engage the community in ways that encourages positive interaction and the development of public trust through open dialogue and community input.
   

All other items listed on the June 28 agenda were approved.

This month's Junior School Board Directors are Arrowhead fourth grade students Emerson Gormley and Adam Anuzelli. Adam opened the meeting and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, while Emerson shared a few words about what makes Arrowhead such a special place to learn and grow. Thanks to both families for coming out to the meeting and continuing this great new tradition!

Pictured above from left to right - School Board President Chris Boardman, Adam Anuzelli, Emerson Gormley, Arrowhead Principal Aaron Roberts, and Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe.