W-MU property tax levy rises 24 cents

By KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

WINFIELD ? The Winfield-Mt. Union School Board has approved the property tax levy for fiscal year 2015-16.

Carmen Benson, W-MU business manager, said the board unanimously approved a property tax levy of $13.25 per $1,000 taxable valuation during its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 8. That is, if the allowable growth stays at zero percent.

Winfield-Mt. Union?s current tax levy is $13.01 per $1,000 taxable valuation.

?If it (the allowable growth) goes to 1.25 percent, it?s really not much of a difference for us, it would be $13.02 per $1,000 taxable valuation,? she said.

The board also approved staff salaries for 2015-16 fiscal year.

Benson said certified staff will receive a 4 percent increase for 2015-16 and 4 percent for 2016-17.

The full-time nurse/secretary, business manager and technology coordinator will also receive a four percent increase. Classified staff will receive a one-step increase on the classified wage scale and bus drivers were approved for a 30 cent an hour increase. The board also authorized the district to pay for the para educator?s initial training if the required provisions are met. Requirements include staying employed with the district for five years.

In other business, the board:

? Approved hiring Kerri Anderson, junior high softball coach; and Kathleen Holtkamp, family consumer science teacher

? Tabled Morning Sun CSD sharing of superintendent for more information

? Tabled Mt. Pleasant CSD sharing for English language learners for more discussion and declined sharing transportation

? Declined sharing librarian services with Danville CSD

? The next school board meeting will be 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2015, in the media center at W-MU.