Health-care costs are big reason budget is up, schools chief says

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.-- Wilmington Area School Directors tentatively adopted a $15,463,226 budget for the 2004-2005 school year.
Superintendent Dr. C. Joyce Nicksick said Wednesday that the budget has increased 7.69 percent over last year, with hospitalization costs being one of the largest increases.
She said health-care costs will go up 22 percent in the coming school year.
Nicksick said other major increases will be felt in special-education costs, transportation, utilities and retirement.
The board did not discuss whether the budget would require a tax increase. The tentative budget will be available for the public to view and will be on the agenda to adopt at the June monthly meeting.
In other business, directors named Mary Criss Garrett and First National Bank of Slippery Rock treasurer for the 2004-2005 school year and approved Charles Y. Mansell as solicitor with a retainer of $2,500.
Directors also accepted the retirement of middle school teacher Terry Kennedy and approved a child-rearing leave for Amy Rubin, Pulaski Elementary special education teacher for the 2004-05 school year.
Directors agreed to hire Robin K. Adams as school dentist to replace Dr. Diane Fawley, who is retiring.