JEFFERSON TWP — Knoch School District board members approved a preliminary budget for the 2024-25 school year with a 2-mill increase at a meeting on Wednesday, May 8, that would add $362,000 in revenue amid a budget deficit.

Without a tax increase, the deficit, which is exacerbated by an unexpected 13.68% increase in insurance payments to the district’s health care consortium, stands at about $593,993. With a tax increase, the deficit stands at $382,284.

Business manager Jamie Van Lenten presented the estimated deficit at the meeting Wednesday evening before a vote on the proposed budget. She noted the deficit is higher than last week’s projected deficit due to additional expenditures totaling $150,000, brought on by salary increases and wages.

The board will vote on a finalized budget and a tax hike before June 30.

If adopted, the tax increase would amount to a $33.74 yearly cost for the average homeowner, increasing the millage rate from 94.275 to 96.275.

The district has not raised taxes since 2017.

The board also unanimously voted to apply for two competitive facility improvement grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

The district would request about $3 million to help repair the high school roof, boilers and chillers, as well as about $2 to $3 million to repair the intermediate school roof, electrical system and sewage.

The district would be responsible for matching 25% of the funds.

The school board also approved hiring Pelle Nejman to the position of Knoch Middle School principal at a salary of $95,000. Nejman was previously assistant principal.