The final 2017-2018 budget was approved at the June 14 meeting with a 2.18 percent tax increase for residents or approximately $82 per year on a home valued at $206,356. The budget reflects total expenditures in the amount of $37,574,320. The budget passed 8-0 with director Samuel DeFank absent.

The board held a moment of silence at the beginning of the meeting for Patricia Dillman, a strong supporter of the Salisbury twirlers, who died June 10.

“She was a great friend to Salisbury,” Board Director Mary Ziegler said. “She supported Salisbury for many years. She lost her battle with cancer on Saturday.”

Along those lines, Christine and Robert Tocci, were honored for their 30 years of service to the district as twirling coaches and other positions. Board members praised both Christine and Robert for their efforts over the years.

Also honored were retirees: Alan S. Beil, learning support teacher at Salisbury Middle School, 20 years; Diana J. Diefenderfer, part-time, one-to-one instructional assistant at SMS, 33 years; Deborah J. Pelc, special education secretary, administration building, over nine years; Cathy L. Rae, reading specialist/Title I teacher at Harry S Truman Elementary School, 24 years; Margaret A. Scholl, English teacher, SMS, 30 years; Denise A. Steiger, director of food services, Salisbury High School, over 25 years; Carla B. Tallarida, part-time school nurse at Western Salisbury Elementary School, 21 years; and Suzanne W. VanEmburgh, reading and language arts teacher, SMS, 17 years.

The board approved a resolution to refinance the 2017 Series A and B Bonds for a savings of $136,000 in the first year which will be split between the 2017-2018 budget and the 2018-2019 budget.

The following resignations were approved Melissa Smolick as a part-time learning support instructional assistant at HST; Mary Pope as a part-time one-to-one instructional assistant at SHS; Aimee Panariello as a part-time cafeteria worker at HST and Erin Prudente as a part-time one-to-one instructional assistant at SHS.

Stephanie Delvecchio was approved as a part-time school nurse; Tracy Merrill was transferred from a full-time learning support teacher at WSE to a full-time comprehensive support teacher at WSE; Virginia Gugliemini was employed as a full time 12-month secretary in the special education office and Heather Cumello was approved as a reading specialist at HST.

Jack Frankenfield was approved for the summer custodial help program and Ethan Heydt, Prince Radande, Padraig Shay, Emily Suter, Casey Weidenhammer and Mark Wilson were approved for the summer technology help program.

Sean Roth was approved as a volunteer assistant varsity football coach, Joshua Lake was approved as a volunteer assistant varsity football coach, Rich Simononis was approved as a volunteer assistant varsity football coach and Katie Seagreaves was approved as a volunteer assistant field hockey coach.

The board adopted policies on truancy and field trips.

Board member Susan Lea reported on current bills being reviewed by the house and senate which would affect the district if passed. Senate Bill 383 would allow teachers to possess handguns in school. House Bill 1190 would require school districts to have substance abuse programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12. House Bill 202 involves students in vocational schools taking the Keystone tests and Senate Bill 1 is designed to fix the pension crisis which would apply to new district employees hired on or after July 1, 2019. Existing employees would have a one-time opportunity to join one of the three offered plans.

Superintendent Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss concluded the meeting by saying the Salisbury graduation June 7 went well with a large number of teachers attending to support the students. Ziegenfuss said there were many successes throughout the year in the district.