HOISINGTON — At its regular meeting last week, the USD 431 School Board studied the budget for the upcoming school year, as well as approving a large number of procedural and annual appointments, according to the unofficial minutes.
There will be a mill levy increase at .296 mills, which is less than three-tenths of a mill.
The good news is that USD 431 School District is expecting an increase of students this fall to a full time equivalency of 715, up from 700 last year. Superintendent Bill Lowry emphasized that this is an estimate, and that the state will conduct an audit in September of student count.
The district’s assessed valuation has increased from $42,332732 to $45,634,503.
The bonded indebtedness has dropped from $8,863,630 to $7,585,875.
Per pupil base state aid  from the state is set at $3838.
The board approved online bill pay and will accept credit and debit cards for fees.
In his report, Lowry said that the student lunch program this summer has had a good turnout.
The board will begin working with a new activities league on Aug. 12.
After an executive session, raises were approved at 2.5 percent for classified personnel and administrative salaries were also approved at a 2.5 percent raise. Negotiations are still underway for certified personnel.
In final business, the board approved:
•Dean Stoskopf as president of the council for the new year. Stephen Little was named vice president.
•Patching the high school track.
•A budget hearing at 7 p.m. on Aug. 5 at the district offices.
•A bid for $2, 352.50 was approved for upgrades to the fire alarm system at Lincoln School from Hi-Tech Alarm. The company will provide annual inspections for fire $575.
•Student accident insurance.