BUTLER TWP — The Butler Area School District approved a proposed 2023-24 budget of $110.43 million Monday, May 22, with a tax increase of 2.5 mills — an average annual increase of about $147 for a median home.

The increase would bring the millage to 106.8.

Last year’s budget was $106.52 million. The school board unanimously approved the proposed budget by a vote of 7-0.

“This is our best proposed budget,” district superintendent Brian White said.

The budget increase is partly due to the cost of transportation, health care and staffing as well as increased enrollment numbers. Since the pandemic, staffing has shrunk and is the lowest it has been overall, White said. Health care is a $11.6 million expense.

Transportation costs in the spending plan grew from a projected $65,000 to $258,000. Next year, the cost is projected to be $275,000.

“Our biggest cost is people,” White said. “If we’re overstaffed, our budget’s out of whack. If we’re understaffed, we’re not operating correctly. It’s a balancing act.”

Expenditures have struggled to cover the increasing need for resources relating to mental health and special education, especially for early grades, White said.

According to White, the district spends a relatively low amount of money per student compared to other school districts in the county.

“Our mission is what drives our budget. We have a responsibility for our students and we have a responsibility for our community.”

Final vote on the budget must be done by June 30. The board’s next meeting is June 12.