North Star school board approves preliminary budget; athletic director, school police officer jobs split up
May 15—BOSWELL, Pa. — The North Star School District board approved the district's preliminary budget at Tuesday's meeting with a small increase to the millage rate.
The school directors unanimously approved a preliminary budget with a tax increase of 1.5 mills — the second raise in as many years — for a new total of 38.9 mills.
The increase means about an extra $20 per year for the average taxpayer, business manager Kimberly Russian said.
Revenues for the coming school year are projected to be $23.2 million.
Russian said she is budgeting a deficit, as done in the past, but preparing the upcoming year's finances went smoothly overall.
"I think it went pretty well," she said.
The board also approved the creation of a student activities coordinator position and hired Kevin Nicklow for both that job and as the new athletic director. He'll receive a salary of $8,000 for activities coordination and another $2,300 to be the athletic director, starting in the 2024-25 school year.
That topic spawned a board-wide discussion about North Star's approach to the athletic director position.
Prior to the motions, the school police officer, Stacy Schmitt, served double duty, overseeing sports as well.
Superintendent Louis Lepley said he believes it's important, especially in today's world, not to distract the school police officer with other responsibilities.
"We can't have a part-time police officer in the school district," he said.
Lepley said he wasn't sure the school board understood when the combined position was created how much time is needed to be dedicated to the role of school police officer.
North Star High School Principal Thad Kiesnowski agreed and added that the positions needed to be separated. Board President Martin Blough also supported the roles being split.
