Panther Valley School Board gave final approval to its tentative budget, which surprisingly calls for no increase in property taxes.

The budget is based on expenses of $25,433,450.A vote on the final budget will occur in June.The vote on the proposal was 5-3. In favor were Board President Jeff Markovich, Michelle Markovich, Anthony DeMarco, Brian Dolena and Irene Genther. Opposed were Vice President John Williams, Dan Heaney and Bill Hunsicker.The passage of the budget occurred with little comment, except to Genther getting assurance that recommendations of the board's Budget and Finance Committee were taken.In January, the board gave preliminary approval to the tentative budget for the 2015-16 school year with a 3-mill tax increase proposed.Although that budget passed, Genther vowed no such tax increase would occur."It will not be as stated, I promise you that," Genther said.Last month, board members expressed concern that very little could be shaved from the 3-mill increase that had been proposed in January.On Thursday's agenda, there were two items listed regarding the budget: One in which there would be no tax increase and one calling for a 2-mill increase.Since passage occurred on the first proposal, no action was taken on the 2-mill increase.In other business• DeMarco was elected board treasurer for another one-year term. He said this marks the seventh or eighth straight year he is serving as board treasurer.• The board accepted the resignation of Marlise Kotrosits, middle school special education teacher effective at the end of this school year.• Danielle White was added to the substitute teachers list for this school year at a per diem rate of $90.• Lauren Bochicchio was approved to take a three-credit course at East Stroudsburg University (summer session) at a cost of $454 per credit.• The board granted payment of $990 to Michael Gower, maintenance personnel, who completed a class for air conditioning and refrigeration at AmericanTrainco.• By a 7-1 vote, the board approved for Irene DeGiosio and Stefanie Clark to attend seminars. Genther cast the opposing vote.• The purchase of software services from CSIU for the 2015-2016 school year was approved, at a cost of about $19,000. The software services include the fund accounting, inventory, personnel and payroll applications.• The board plans to seat a new member at its May 28 meeting. That person will serve until the end of the year, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Roy Aungst, which became effective last month.