Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

A tax increase is a strong possibility, Board President Brace says.

UNION TWP. – The Northwest Area School Board returned Randy Tomasacci to the board Wednesday night at its regular meeting in the high school library.

In addition, Board President Charles Brace Jr. announced the board will hold an important finance meeting May 2 at 6 p.m. to discuss the 2011-2012 budget.

Brace said the district faces a $1.2 million deficit in a preliminary spending plan of $18.4 million for next fiscal year. Moreover, he said that increases in health care costs will push premiums to more than $500,000. When asked if a tax increase is on the table, Brace said, “I don’t see how it can be avoided.”

The May 2 session is slated to be conducted in the high school library.

The appointment of Tomasacci wasn’t without some controversy. When Brace called for a roll call, board member Gina Schwartz voted against Tomasacci. Schwartz said she isn’t against Tomasacci personally, but “rather against the process” used to effect his selection.

She said she preferred the matter to be a public vote rather than a board decision.

There were four nominees: Tomasacci, Gary Bobarick, Ralph Killian and Jeff Pierontoni. The final vote of the eight members present was 7-1. Albert Gordon recommended Tomasacci.

“He is a capable former board president,” Gordon said.

It was said he previously served for nine years; three of those years as president. He fills the unexpired term of Lisa Schoenhofen, who recently resigned. Tomasacci will go before the voters in a special election in November.

The board heard a report from Ryan Miner, secondary schools principal, and Joe Rasmus, assistant principal, on bullying. Miner commented an anti-bullying program had been implemented in an attempt to develop “a positive attitude” among the students and to let them know that help is available during any difficult times they may experience. Miner’s presentation included a video that was produced at Northwest and commentary from a pupil as well as a teacher.