After a contentious caucus meeting on Jan. 9, the entire Weatherly Area school board united to vote against acceptance of the Carbon Career & Technical Institute’s 2019-20 operating budget.

When asked, board President Girard Fewins said, “We’re not getting the bang for our buck.”

There was no other comment on the subject.

According to business manager Pete Bard, the board hopes for a revised budget that would ask for less money from the district.

CCTI’s preliminary budget totals just over $8.5 million, with Weatherly Area’s share at $310, 274, an increase of $2,408 over the 2018-19 budget.

It wasn’t all harmonious, though. When a vote was called to approve the first reading of a handful of policies, board member Gerard Grega objected to one on the conduct of individual board members. Grega said the policy was never discussed during a policy committee meeting.

Board member Matthew vonFrisch disagreed, claiming it had been discussed noting that changes were made to it.

Board member Brian O’Donnell supported Grega’s claim, stating, “I’m looking at this email and this is the first time I’ve heard of it.”

After a brief discussion during which the directors couldn’t agree as to whether the policy was discussed at a policy meeting, the motion was tabled.

In other business, the board voted to disapprove the repository sale for a property; approve a resolution urging the Pennsylvania general assembly to adequately invest in public schools and students; and authorize the district’s business manager to work with PFM Financial Advisors, Stifel Nicolaus, the firm of Eckert, Seamans, Cherion & Mellot and solicitor Christopher Slusser to issue general obligation bonds to meet the needs of the district and restructure the district’s debt.

The board also recognized students of the month. Katie Graham was named student of the month for the senior class, Mackenzie Rhodes for sixth grade, Reina Whalen for seventh grade, and Tyler Slaga for eighth grade.

Board members Amy Potsko and William Knepper were absent.

The board will meet for its next monthly caucus meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 in the middle school LGI room.