Board member Dave Francis started the discussion by saying that yes people are hurting, but an increase is needed to help pare down things such as the debt service the district has to pay, thanks in large part to the $88 million high school building constructed several years ago. He also stated that a recently agreed to teachers contract and $1000 bonuses that they received to stay in the district also had to be dealt with. Board member Val Mignogna said that Covid money the district will receive or has been getting is a one time deal, and that they cannot count on any more federal dollars to bail them out. Member Christopher Cook said in no uncertain terms he will not cut on education or students needs period.
