By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
Pikeland’s school board – at its Wednesday, Dec. 15, meeting – approved the district’s 2021 tax levy, which is payable in 2022.
Prior to the regular board meeting, a Truth and Taxation public hearing was held, because the levy was increased more than 5 percent over last year’s levy.
While the levy amount increased by more than 5 percent, Pikeland School Board President Curt Simonson said that property tax rates will actually decrease by approximately $0.03 per $100 of valuation for district residents.
Simonson said that the equalized assessed valuation (EAV) of property within the school district impacts the tax rate.
“If the EAV goes up, the tax rate goes down,” Simonson said. “If the EAV goes down, the tax rate goes up.”
In other business, the board held a second reading of policies related to curriculum content, school board meeting procedures, family and medical leave, as well as sick days, holidays and leave.
A first reading of policies related to board member development, awareness and prevention of child sex abuse, student transfer rules, school safety requirements and bargaining was also conducted.
In closed session, the board made several personnel moves.
Following closed session, the board approved the following hires:
■ Barb Ballinger – Preschool Bus Driver – 2nd Semester – 5 days per week, moving from hybrid to everyday Preschool.
■ Rachel Cawthon – long-term substitute teacher – third grade – PCS
■ Madison Zumwalt – 7th Grade Volleyball Coach – PCS
In addition, the board approved the following volunteer coaches:
■ Colin Bigley – assistant baseball coach – PHS.
■ Jill Cook – assistant volleyball coach – PCS.
■ Holly Lowe – assistant volleyball coach – PCS.
■ David Marable – assistant volleyball coach – PCS.
■ Josie Marable – assistant volleyball coach – PCS.
■ Katie Stambaugh – assistant volleyball coach – PCS.
Finally, board approved Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)/sick leave for two Pikeland employees.
