2 Percent School Tax Levy Hike in BOE Budget

The Madison Board of Education introduced a proposed 2013-2014 school district budget Tuesday night that calls for a 2 percent increase to the school tax levy.

Officials said they expect to be able to keep current staffing levels and programs, and that a more detailed presentation on the budget is expected to be prepared for upcoming meetings.

A town hall discussion on the budget is planned for March 19 in the Madison High School library and a public hearing and final vote on the budget is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27. The next regular Board of Education meeting is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

During the meeting, Madison resident Steve Wells and Board of Education President Lisa Ellis decried how the state funds school districts. Madison saw a $1 increase in state aid this year, accompanied by a $23,000 decrease in debt service aid from the state, while other districts saw six-figure increases.