Weatherly Area School Board will be voting on taxes for the 2021-22 school year at their meeting on Wednesday.

The first draft of the proposed final 2021-22 budget projected revenues of $14,400,975 - an increase of about $580,000 - most of that from federal sources. Expenses are projected at $15,832,465. At the current tax rate, the budget deficit climbs from $894,800 from this school year to about $1,431,490 for the next. The deficit would need to be covered by drawing from the district’s fund balance.

The preliminary calculations from current Business Manager Natasha Milazzo give the school board options including keeping taxes at the current 48.84 mills, increasing millage by 0.78 of a mill to cut the deficit by about $100,000, or going up to the allowed maximum of 50.79 mills, which cuts the deficit by nearly $259,000. It was shared that the board has found expenses to cut.

A final budget will be presented for a vote at this week’s meeting.

Milazzo’s last day of work at Weatherly will be June 10.

New business manager

By unanimous vote of directors present at their caucus meeting on June 2, the board voted to offer Dominic Bellucci the position of business manager.

He was unable to attend this night’s meeting, but will attend on June 9 to meet everyone. He will be available to start work on June 21, providing all clearances and paperwork is completed. Salary is $75,000 for the position.

The board also approved the list of 2021 graduates - 55 in all. Congratulations to these students was offered by every board member. Graduation ceremonies are this Friday.

Health and safety plans were shared for the 2021-22 school year, with expectations of returning to teaching on a regular five day per week schedule.

The property committee will meet on the Wednesday, preceded by a walking tour of the district property to look over the buildings and facilities, and see what work needs to be done.

The regular board meeting begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the elementary/middle school cafeteria.