ELDRED — The Otto-Eldred school board voted for a tax increase of 3 percent, which equates to about $45,000 of new revenue, at their regular meeting Tuesday evening.

The original recommendation of 3.8 percent tax increase was voted down.  

A 2018-19 budget was also passed, with gap of about $680,000. This includes a $300,000 transfer to Capital Reserve. Last year’s budget had a $650,000 deficit. After transferring $200,000 into capital at this meeting, the overall actual deficit will be about $130,000.

Meanwhile, resolutions were adopted to approve the sale of Stuck’s bus routes to Todd’s Bussing. Additionally, the board approved extension of bus contract for 5 years.

The board also approved the purchase of a new truck at $39,917 to replace the current dump truck/plow. Cafeteria and kitchen upgrades were brought to the table for discussion, but additional pricing information was needed before the board would move to approve.  

Summer positions were approved. Cole Palmer was approved for the summer lunch program monitor. Kristie Ramsey was approved for the summer weight room position and Seth Drummond was approved as a substitute volunteer for weight room coverage.

The following supplemental positions were approved: Lorinda Smith as junior high girls basketball head coach, Mike Miller as junior varsity girls coach, Donna Veilleux as junior varsity volleyball coach, and Kaci Daniels and Kylie Geci as Junior Class Advisors. Katie Jo Smith was approved as a volunteer for the marching band and Derek Francis was approved as a volunteer for the boys basketball season.

Long-time music instructor, Drenda Duke submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes effective July 1.

There was no movement or change on the athletic extracurricular policy. These changes will be discussed again in a future meeting.