Lehighton Area School District's board of directors passed a final 2016-17 budget Monday night with no property tax increase, as was proposed in its preliminary budget.

It is the second year in a row Lehighton has remained at 47.88 mills.Balanced expenditures and revenues total $39.28 million."Given that 75 percent of school districts are raising taxes this year, I think it's commendable what the district has been able to do, specifically in looking ahead and planning for the increased pension liability," said board member David Krause.Lunch prices will be going up slightly.The board approved a nickel increase, bringing lunch prices to $2.25 for elementary school students, $2.55 for middle and high school students and $3.55 for adults.Construction project payments approved by the board included $7,294 to JMSI Environmental Corporation and Sargent Enterprises Inc. for asbestos abatement at the middle school; $15,393.74 to Barry Isett and Associates for work on the athletic stadium; $14,733.27 to EI Associates, $37,409.85 to Jay R. Reynolds Inc., $336,735.17 to Lobar Inc., $16,545.50 to Quandel Construction Group, $753.97 to Barry Isett and Associates, and $679 to JMSI Environmental Corporation for middle school renovations; $13,422.54 to EI Associates, $4,932 to Jay R. Reynolds Inc., $75,022.31 to Lobar Inc., $16,545.50 to Quandel Construction Group and $9,603 to JMSI Environmental Corporation for high school renovations; and $36,906.05 to EI Associates for work on the proposed elementary center.Other businessThe board approved:• The 2016-17 insurance package policies for property, general liability, auto, boiler and machinery, workers' compensation, umbrella, security, error and omissions in the amount of $228,139.• A budget transfer of $100,000 from the general fund to the food service fund to cover the food service contract.• A $2,740.47 transfer from the general fund to food service fund to close out the school year 2015-16.• A contract with Dr. Thomas E. Munshower for the 2016-17 school year calling for a $6,000 stipend paid with signed contract, $7 per physical exam and $3 per scoliosis examination.• An agreement with Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 for TransPerfect Remote Interpreters Products and Services for the 2016-17 school year for language interpreting related services. The cost is a monthly minimum of $50 if the service is used.• Hired Simon Tkach, long-term substitute social studies teacher assigned to the high school, at $41,800 for the first semester and $42,750 for the second semester, prorated; Rachel Klotz, art teacher assigned to the middle school/high school at $40,850; Cristina Bueti, Spanish teacher assigned to the middle school/high school at $40,850; Sarah Simon, reading specialist assigned to the middle school at $41,658; and Michelle Blasiak, emotional support interventionist assigned to elementary schools at $29,839.• The resignations of Melissa Bierman, summer cleaner, effective immediately; Kyle Williams, custodian, effective July 8; Julie Frey, summer utility worker, effective immediately, Jacob Schlener, summer utility worker, effective June 16; and Michelle Blasiak, paraprofessional, effective beginning of 2016-17 school year.• The 2016-17 elementary student and high school handbooks.• The athletic/extracurricular code of conduct.