The Blue Mountain School Board voted May 22 to enact a preliminary 2025-26 budget with no tax increase. The current tax rate is 44.325 mills, meaning the tax on a $100,000 property would be about $4,400.
The $53 million spending plan is kept in balance by using $1.6 million from the district reserve funds.
There was a discussion at the May 15 committee of the whole meeting on reinstating an FFA chapter at the high school in response to a student’s request.
The president of the Pine Grove FFA chapter presented an overview of the organization’s activities and events and noted the importance of having it available to students. Formerly known as Future Farmers of America, FFA works to promote and support agricultural education.
Superintendent Dr. David Helsel stated his support for reinstating the program.
The board took the following actions during its May 22 meeting:
• Master Library software subscriptions includingat a cost of $6,000 per year.
• A $5,992 HVAC mechanical preventive maintenance agreement with Leibold, Inc. for 2025-26 at the high school.
• Awarding a bid to DM2 Security for a security alarm system upgrade and installation project at all four buildings at a total project cost of $52,285. The cost is covered by the public school facilities improvement program grant.
• Junior Girl Scout Troop #32835 to complete work toward a bronze award with the beautification of the middle school entrance sign and flower garden at no cost to the district. The troop is planning to dedicate the garden in the memory of Terri Willard.
• A tuition agreement with the Mahanoy Area School District for the 2025-26 school year and for any extended school year program students.
• The names of 181 seniors as candidates for high school commencement on Friday, June 6, 2025, contingent upon successful completion of the courses in which they are enrolled.
Source: Berkshire mont
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