by Madison White Franks
LANCASTER—The Lancaster school board and board of supervisors convened a joint session February 22 to discuss a school budget for 2018-19.
Chairman and District 3 school board member Audrey Thomasson said the draft differed from the one presented at the February 13 school board meeting.
The $16.5 million draft of February 13 did not include funding for the 4-year-old program. It included a total teacher salary increase of 3.5% and a 2% percent increase for other school employees. The $16.8 million draft of February 22 includes funding for the 4-year-old program as well as a 4.1% increase for teachers and 3% increase for others.
“It’s important to remember that this budget is an estimate of the amount of money needed in the next fiscal year in support of public schools. This budget process also ensures alignment of the board’s vision, plan and allocation of resources,” said superintendent Steve Parker…
