Residents urge board to reject proposed tax increase; call for changes to hiring practices

Residents and board members clashed over a proposed tax increase and hiring policy during public comment at the Marion Center Area School Board work session on June 16.

Stephen Zacherl, a resident who provided his address for the record, urged a change in hiring practice, saying, "Should hire teachers based on a bid, rather than experience just as all other contractors have done to work here." Bob Colgan told the board he was "unsatisfied with the impending tax increase," urged the board to pressure state lawmakers in Harrisburg and recommended cutting programs, including athletics, instead of raising taxes. "You as a board have the ability to say NO," Colgan said, adding he recommended the board "do not pass this budget as is, do not approve a tax increase." These remarks were made during the general citizens comment portion of the agenda.

Board members discussed the budget later in the meeting; Director of Business Affairs Mr. Martini and board members acknowledged major cost drivers such as cyber program payments, special education and electricity. Board member Ms. Young voiced clear opposition to a tax increase at the meeting, saying she did not want to see taxes rise. The agenda presented a recommended general fund budget and tax structure for board consideration; the transcript records presentation and discussion but does not show a recorded roll-call vote adopting the budget during the session.