Jan 10, 2018 2 min read

MONESSEN – Monessen School Board voted Tuesday to retain Dr. Leanne Spazak as superintendent and adopted a resolution that it will not raise property taxes more than a state-allowed percentage in the coming fiscal year.

The board voted 7-0 to extend Spazak’s contract for three years starting Jan. 13 at a salary of $108,500. Spazak has been superintendent for the district since 2014.

“Thank you for the three more years. I will do my best to meet your expectations,” Spazak said. Directors Frank Rapsky and Maria Scuteri did not attend the meeting.

The board also voted to adopt the Act 1 resolution for the 2018-19 fiscal year that allows a property tax increase up to the state index of 3.6 percent. Business Manager Jeff Festor said the board does not have to pass a preliminary budget until May but it cannot increase taxes above the index. Spazak said by adopting this resolution the district agrees not to raise taxes more than roughly 2.8 mills. Festor said the district can approve a tax increase up to that number but “will not exceed that.”

Spazak also discussed the “Raise the Curtain Campaign”, a fundraising effort for a new stage curtain at the high school auditorium. Treasurer Sharon Mauck said the curtain will cost about $12,000.

Spazak said the district recently received a $1,500 check from DMJ Transportation Inc. as a show of appreciation for the district’s support for DMJ’s business. The district also received a $6,000 donation from Monessen alumnus and Golden Globe-winning actress Frances McDormand. Spazak said she is working with the band booster president to draft a letter to alumni regarding the fundraiser and will be sending it in the next few weeks.