Blue Ridge approves prelim budget

The Blue Ridge Board of Education approved the district’s 2017-18 preliminary budget on Monday, May 1.
The $18,111,823 budget was balanced with no increase in taxes. The board will vote on a final budget in June.
Board president Chris Lewis thanked to administration for their work “scrubbing” the budget and the board’s work “making sure every dollar is accounted for and not placing an unnecessary burden on the taxpayers.”
The board also approved submitting the district’s proposal to the Susquehanna County Recreation Center, with the motion noting that if the proposal is accepted, addition steps would be necessary before a final action would be taken by the board.
The board also approved a revised school calendar due to the approved emergency declaration received from the PA Dept. of Education that allows for the district to provide a instructional hours (900 elementary, 990 secondary) instead of the required 180 days of school for students.
Board treasurer Christina Cosmello was re-elected to the post at a salary of $1,500 per year; and Deb Bennett was re-appointed to serve as the board secretary at an annual rate of $1,200.