(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon School Board, Monday evening, approved the District’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget for certification to the State. Superintendent Eric Trager says the Budget requires a slight increase in the Property Tax Levy.

The levy will be $12.26/$1,000 assessed valuation. The Board also approved the Budget Guarantee Resolution, which acts as a financial security blanket in times of declining enrollment.

The Audubon School Board approved the 2022-23 School Calendar

The Board decided to stop buying new school buses, and opt instead for an off-lease, because, Trager says, new school buses age-out well before they are worn-out.

An HVAC Project for the Elementary School was approved during the Monday evening meeting. Mr. Trager reports they will be upgrading the control system, and add demand ventilation, which should quality the District for a MidAmerican Energy rebate for up to 50% of the cost. And, the Audubon School Board and Teachers Bargaining Unit negotiated a 3.27% increase for teachers, and the Board approved a dollar-an-hour raise for all non-certified staff.

Bonuses were given also, to Certified Staff that were not eligible for the Governor’s bonus (Such as some school Counselors, the School Nurse, and the Athletic Director – who is not in the classroom all the time). Trager says most of the District’s hiring is completed, with the exception of a Middle School Science Teacher, and and Elementary Special Education. If you or anyone you know is interested in those positions, please call Mr. Trager at the Audubon High School.