Board looks at ‘modest' spending increase ‘if any'

SHOHOLA — So far, things are looking good for the coming school year’s budget, Delaware Valley budget committee Chair Ed Silverstone said Thursday. Reporting on planning for the 2008-09 year, Silverstone said the district hopes to refinance its 2002 and 2004 bonds at current lower rates for savings of $90,000 to $115,000. On the spending side, he said, “a number of factors are coming together favorably and I’m hopeful for a modest increase, if any.” District revenues, yet to be addressed, are something else. “Assessed (property) values, (tax) collection rates and transfer tax receipts are all likely to be challenging in this environment,” he warned. Long-range planning committee Chair John Kupillas said the district is awaiting architects’ renderings for Delaware Valley Elementary School which would reuse part of the existing structure with additions. Co-curricular Chair John Wroblewski announced that a coach for boys’ lacrosse has been hired an the new program would start this spring. Regarding busing incidents reported earlier this month, Superintendent Dr. Candis Finan said all staff have been told that police reports, emergency medical involvement and timely parent notification is policy in the event of traffic accidents outside the district.