During the March 19 Bethlehem Area School District board meeting both IU 20 and the Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech presented their budgets for the 2014-15 school year to the board for approval.

Dr. Charlene Brennen, executive director of the IU, presented the IU's budget proposal with a general operating budget of $3,122,410.

"The largest line item is legal services, when negotiations end it will be taken out and be a savings to you," said Brennen.

BASD's contribution to the budget remains the same as the previous school year at $102,547.

Brennen said this is the fourth year the budget has had a zero percent increase. The money is divided among the school districts, which means BASD pays the most as it is the largest district. The money is taken as a deduction to the school district subsidy.

"This is my third time going through the budget and you use our money very, very well," said Director Basilio Bonilla Jr.

Brian Williams followed her presentation with a look at the Vo-Tech's budget and goals. They have new programs being implemented and several capital improvement projects they would like to complete which has resulted in an increased budget.

"Capital investment is required at this time. We cannot continue an upward path if we do not have the supports in place. Looking at capital improvements due to expansion, new health programs [are] ready to go. With each success presents a challenge to funding. The growth in our budget is not growing as fast as our population. We have a need for seats," said Williams.

Wiliams said area superintendents insisted a line item be placed in the budget for capital improvement projects. They are no longer able to take as many tuition students as they once did and are not bringing in as much revenue.

Some of the capital projects are expanding the welding shop, renovations to the C wing, renovations to the front office and lobby.

"I think it is very important we continue to support the school. This is a tight budget and there is no wasted money in there," said President Michael Facinetto.

BASD Superintendent Joseph Roy also said all those fields (mentioned above) that, "We know have growth in those programs are things employers tell us they need. Its exciting to have kids in a program that they can graduate and go on to a two-year, four-year program. Its always been a priority of ours to have our kids take advantage of opportunities."

In other news, during the Human Resources committee meeting Russell Giordano presented a revised school calendar for the rest of the year due to the amount of snow days.

"Our district has always submitted the first four snow days as Act 80 days and in April we have to convert some inservice days as instructional time," said Roy.

The board decided to not make June 10 the last day of school, citing lack of educational gains. The revisions will be voted on during the March 24 meeting at East Hills MS.