The curriculum meeting had been canceled Feb. 11, and ensuing special and finance meetings together lasted only 18 minutes.

And while some few residents may acknowledge an approaching vote next year’s district calendar or the purchase of new electrical equipment that will be largely reimbursed by E-Rate funds, the real news is that the 2019-20 preliminary budget will likely avoid any tax increase.

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy said, “We’re on track for a zero-percent tax increase as we’ve ever had.”

Board President Mike Faccinetto said it’s very encouraging. “On my 10th or 11th budget on the board and I’ve never come close.”

Taxpayers beware: It’s certainly not a sure thing, as it hinges on Harrisburg.

Faccinetto explained in a later interview, “While I am hopeful we can get to zero [percent], we still want to protect the administration’s goals for the year. We are not looking to cut or scale back educational programs to get there. Dr. Roy is confident in some additional savings on our end, and we can pull from the fund balance as always, but the sooner we have some sort of agreement between the governor and the General Assembly the better I’ll feel about announcing a zero budget.”

This month’s regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at East Hills MS. Feb. 27 is the snow date