The Wild Rose School Board approved the 2022-23 budget, levy, and tax rate during the Oct. 27 meeting.
Equalized values were in and the board looked at everything to be considered. With the addition of the facility planning which went to referendum, the proposed budget increased by $19,310,397. The levy becomes $6,449,248, a $546,744 or 9.26 percent increase. The mil rate becomes 6.24, a .56 or 8.18 percent decrease.
Health insurance proposals were considered by the board since WEA Trust will be discontinuing health insurance plans. The negotiations committee recommended going with WCA Group Health Trust whose plan is close to what WEA Trust has been providing. The board did approve going with WCA Group Health Trust.
The board went on to approve the appointment of Chris Rosin as a volunteer high quiz bowl assistant coach, and Candice Milne as a volunteer high school girls’ basketball coach.
A leave of absence request from Barb Schilcher was approved.
Gifts to the school district were approved by the board. They include: a $1,000 CIEE Host Family Referral fee; a $1,000 STEM Grant from Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative; $1,286.26 payment for use of the Spirit Pump from Depot Street Station; $1,200 from the Wild Rose Presbyterian Church’s Be Hope Fund; and $2,000 from the Wildcat Booster Club for the purchase of a starting block and cart package for the middle and high school track programs.
During the district administrator’s report, it was mentioned that the school district is the recipient of two free electric buses and two charging stations through a special program. As the board discussed the matter, members came up with various questions regarding specifics. The program will be explored further and the matter will be revisited at the next meeting with the hopes that their questions can be answered satisfactorily.
The next board meetings will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15 and immediately following the 7 p.m. Scholarship Foundation meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8.
