First Posted: 6/18/2014

The Lake-Lehman School Board voted 8-1 to adopt a final budget for the 2014-2015 fiscal year with everyone except David Paulauskas voting to aprove the budget.

The budget comes with a 2.7 percent tax increase, and includes expenditures of $27,875,474 and revenues of $27,443,767 with millage of 9.9656 mills, which is $1 on each $100 of assessed valuation of taxable property in the borough of Harveys Lake and the townships of Jackson, Lake, Lehman, and Ross in Luzerne County; and 47.3391 mills, which is $4.73 on each $100 of assessed valuation or taxable property in the township of Noxen in Wyoming County.

Superintendent James McGovern announced the addition of several new programs to the district that will begin with the 2014-2015 school year, which includes an Honors Physics course, Statistics course, Math Remediation and the JSHS, Additional Remedial Reading at the elementary schools, Tech Education Program with a newly-hired teacher at the elementary schools, Triumph Readiness Math and ELA Program, and Fountas and Pinnel Reading Program.

Jeffrey Shook of Nanticoke has been appointed athletic director for the 2014-2015 school year. Shook will receive a $10,000 stipend in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the LLEA and the district. Shook has also been appointed as substitute physical fitness director.

The vote was 8-1 for approval to purchase AESOP automated substitute calling system at a total purchase price of $9,825.00 for the first year, and an annual subscription fee of $4,075 each year after. The contract is one that can be renewed or cancelled on a yearly basis. Karen Masters voted against the proposal.

Doris Shaw, of Hunlock Creek, has been appointed as part-time van/bus driver, effective at the start of the 2014-2015 school year, at a rate of $11.50 per hour. Lori Ashton, of Shavertown, has been appointed substitute van driver.

The board has approved a change in the length of work year for part-time custodians Dawn Vitack and Glenn Hooper, from 186 to 260 days per year, effective immediately. There will be no change in hourly wage, number of hours per work day or benefits other than those specified in the current LLESPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Robert Heiser, of Hunlock Creek, has been appointed as part-time custodian, 4.5 hours per day, 260 days per year at a rate of $10.50 per hour, effective immediately. George Manzoni, of Dallas, has been appointed as substitute custodian.

The following tax collectors have been appointed for the 2014-2015 fiscal year:

A.) Current real estate and per capita taxes-legally certified tax collectors of each municipality, at a commission as adopted by the school board on Feb. 6, 2001.

B.) Local services tax – H.A. Berkheimer Associates, at a commission of 2.05%.

C.) Mechanical device tax – H.A. Berkheimer Associates, at no commission to the district.

D.) Real estate transfer tax – Recorder of Deeds, Luzerne County and Wyoming County, at a commission of 2%.

The board also gave approval to continue the 10 percent penalty on all unpaid taxes 201 days after the date of issue, July 15, 2014. The penalty is to be added to the taxes by the tax collector and collected by him/her.

In addition, the board approved the appointment of Andrew Salko as school board treasurer for a one-year term beginning on July 1.

Administration will add a portrait of Shoshanna Maloney to the “Wall of Fame” in the JR/SR high school. Maloney was selected to the PA Female All-State Soccer Team.

The next board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 21.