NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – Reporter’s Note: Thanks to Dr. Mastillo for pointing out some errors in this original post.  I have made the corrections that he brought to my attention.  John Gerow – RVO

*Photo courtesy of Matt Green of TechReady Professionals & RedbankValley.org

The Redbank Valley School Board voted unanimously tonight to ask the voters to approve a tax increase of 12.9715 mills for Clarion County property owners and 7.7302 for property owners in Armstrong County. The tax increase, according to Board President Bill Reddinger will balance the district’s budget for school year 2020-2021 without program or staffing cuts. If the voters reject the tax increase, the Board has defined cuts that will equal the loss of tax revenue.

The proposed cuts, at this time, include; furloughing the Librarian and Librarian Aides, furloughing 2 elementary teachers by moving the 6th grade to the high school building, furloughing the elementary art and music teachers, eliminating the Dean of Students, and an LPN Nurse’s Aide, eliminating a high school secretary, eliminating most district spending on security, and not filling the Athletic Trainer position.

Cuts to all extracurricular activities would require teams, clubs, and groups to raise 15% of their expenses. Currently, extracurriculars must raise 5% of their expenses. The student “pay to play” will also double.
Referendum Committee Chairs Jason Barnett and Chad Shaffer fielded questions from the audience and explained the tax increase referendum process and proposed cuts in detail.

The Referendum Committee plans on holding several informational meetings in the next 2 months and will post significant information on the district’s web site www.redbankvalley.net.

The tax referendum will be on the April 28 primary voting ballot.

ABOUT:
Redbank Valley School District provides education services for the 165 square mile area of New Bethlehem and Hawthorn boroughs, and the townships of Mahoning, Madison, Porter, and Redbank of both Clarion and Armstrong counties.

MEETINGS:
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district