When: Manheim Central school board meeting, June 21.
What happened: In a split vote the board adopted a final $59.89 million 2021-22 budget with a 3% tax increase, the highest amount allowed by the state without seeking an exception. Board members Robert Iosue, Patrick McGeehan and Stacie Ritter cast the dissenting votes.
Impact: The budgetâs $235,447 deficit will be covered by reserve funds. The 3% tax hike will raise the tax levy to 15.10 mills. It will boost taxes $86 per year â from from $2,871 to $2,957 â for the owner of a home assessed at the districtâs median value of $195,800.
Dissenting votes: Iosue, McGeehan and Ritter expressed concern with the amount of tax increase because some residents are still facing negative economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Iosue said he would prefer a 1.5% increase. However, with a 1.5% tax increase, there would be a budget shortfall of $745,407, which would be covered by the districtâs reserves.
When: Manheim Central school board meeting, May 17.
What happened: High school Principal Joshua Weitzel presented plans for the June 4 commencement ceremony, a two-part celebration.
First part: An outdoor luncheon for the graduating class will take place during the day on Friday, June 4.
Second part: The commencement ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. at Elden Rettew Stadium. High School Principal Joshua Weitzel will present scholarships and recognize the valedictorian and salutatorian, while Superintendent Peter Aiken will offer congratulatory remarks. Student speakers will be class president Troy Peters and Andrew Rajaratnam. Music will be performed by Timothy Bartsch, Sarah Rhodes, David Graff, Justin Greenly, Bailey Garman and Matthew Siegrist. Manheim Central alumus, Seth Obetz, will address the graduating class. The program will conclude with the induction of the Class of 2021 into the Alumni Association by board member Michael Clair.