Lowell Area Schools board elects officers, adopts budget amendment and OKs two new buses

The Lowell Area Schools Board of Education elected officers and approved a slate of organizational and fiscal actions during its Jan. 13 meeting, including adoption of an amended budget and authorization to purchase two buses totaling $308,765.

The board took its annual organizational steps first. A ceremonial oath was administered to returning and newly seated members. The board then approved a slate of officers by roll-call vote: Brian Krajewski for president; Lori (last name as recorded in meeting materials) for vice president; Jennifer Doherty for treasurer; and Pat Nugent for secretary. The motion to elect the slate was moved by Laurie and supported by Jared. Board members recorded their votes aloud; the motion carried.

Why it matters: the budget amendment sets revised revenue and spending expectations for the current fiscal year, and the bus purchases fund core student transportation, including one lift-equipped vehicle used for students who use wheelchairs.

Budget amendment The board approved a budget amendment presented by the district finance official. Key figures presented during the discussion include a blended enrollment figure of 3,468 (calculated as 90% of current fall enrollment plus 10% of last spring), an assumed foundation allowance of $9,608…