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.