According to an Altoona Mirror report, the board passed the spending plan of just over $20.6 million, with a $640,000 deficit. The board said that the deficit will be taken care of with money from the districts fund balance account. Also with the budget, comes a 5.7 % tax increase for its property owners. That tax hike will cost school district property owners an additional $80 for the school year. This years budget is less than 1% higher than last years fiscal plan. Greg Gates, Bellwood business manager said that if Bellwood was not state mandated to fund cyber charter tuition, the district would have had a budget surplus this year. The board passed the budget by a 6-1 vote, with 2 members absent.
