The Weatherly Area School Board pushed its voting meeting to the last Wednesday in June to use the extra time to create a no tax increase budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Real estate taxes remain at 51.34 mills and a total of $17,218,943.

With interim business manager Dr. Alan Lonoconus’ numbers, some additional income from new homes, and approximately $300,000 from the fund balance, taxes hold steady on a 9 to 0 vote by members.

The board also approved a 2024 Homestead and Farmstead resolution which will distribute a total of $551,694 in property tax reductions for 1,315 approved homesteads and 7 approved farmsteads in the WA School District.

This was Dr. Lonoconus’ last meeting, as the board hired Edward Rarick as the full-time business manager on a vote of 8 to 1, April Walters opposed.

Rarick was business manager for the Lehighton Area School District for three years through January 2024, and has been working in consulting prior to this hire. He will begin work on July 8 at a prorated salary of $90,000 plus benefits per the Act 93 contract.

In comments after the meeting, Rarick said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Weatherly family ... and am looking forward to working with the administration, board and staff.”

The board approved another addition to the administration with the hiring of Rocco Seiler into the position of the district’s technology director by unanimous vote. His salary is a prorated salary of $80,000 plus benefits per the Act 93 contract.

Interviews are underway to find a replacement for longtime secretary Lori DeMoor who is retiring. Her last day is Aug. 2. There are 17 applicants according to superintendent Daniel Malloy.

Elementary teacher Jessica Radjavitch is resigning after five years with the WASD. Her last day is Aug. 7. Interviews are beginning to find a replacement.

Interviews will be underway to fill a vacant paraprofessional position.

Other matters

In regular business, Jones & Company was approved to audit the 2023-2024 District records, at a cost of $21,200, and was approved to audit the district’s tax collectors at $1,000 each ($6,000).

EHD Brokers presented an insurance bundle totaling $131,600.

With committees, the property committee reports the garage roof is repaired, and the fence is removed from around the old tennis court. Tree removal is ongoing. The transportation committee will contact bus contractor Rohrer to see that all the buses have working cameras by the start of the school year.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Lonoconus thanked everyone, saying “it has been a great experience” to work with the district administration, staff and board.

The WASB will meet next on Wednesdays, Aug. 7 and 14, at 6 p.m. in the LGI room of the Middle School.