Jun 23, 2015 By Terry Kish 2 min read

At the June 22 regular meeting, the Upper St. Clair School Board approved a $72.7 final budget for the 2015-2016 school year. The vote to adopt the budget was 8-0, with board member Lou Oliverio absent.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole said preparing the 2015-16 budget was “challenging,” with state and federal mandates regarding pensions and special education causing significant impact.

The new budget raises the millage to 23.0355, up 0.8398 from the current rate. For homeowners, the new rate equates to an additional $84 a year for each $100,000 of assessed value.

A projected $900,000 increase in state-mandated pension costs, which had an increase of more than $700,000 in 2013-2014, and a $200,000 increase in healthcare costs were some of the main budget drivers.

Also included in the budget was money for technology investment, including $750,000 to expand the 1:1 learning initiative by providing iPads to students in grades five, six and eight. Students in grade seven received iPads this year. Funding was also in the budget to replace 270 computers.

The board approved the promotion of Brad Wilson to supervisor of customized and online learning. Prior to his promotion, Wilson, who was hired in 2007, was the customization/instructional technology curriculum leader.

The board recognized Keya Loding, a student at Boyce Middle School, as a Benjamin Carson Scholar. The son of Isaac and Irene Loding, Keya received a $1,000 scholarship toward his college education in recognition of his academic excellence and service to the community.

In other business, the board voted to increase school lunch prices. Lunch in the elementary schools will now be $2.15, and $2.40 in the secondary schools, an increase of 10 cents.