CHERRY TWP — The Moniteau School Board voted 6-3 to approve a preliminary 2012-13 budget, which includes a 2-mill property tax increase.

“We have a responsibility to the taxpayers and we have a responsibility for education,” said board member Trixie Heck.

The budget shows a general fund operating cost of $19 million.

To meet the projected deficit of $665,008, the school approved not only the tax increase, but also to take money from the fund balance of $4.68 million.

The school will use $139,831 for ongoing expenditures, $250,291 for nonrecurring expenditures, such as a new van, and $100,000 for budgetary reserves to be used for unexpected needs.

Michael Panza, George Pry and Kathy McBride voted against the preliminary budget.

“Raising 2 mills is too much,” Panza said.

The 2-mill increase will cost the average Moniteau household about $31 more a year.

Panza suggested the board find a way to cut an additional $100,000 and raise the taxes by only 1 mill.

Board members Joann Duke and Heck expressed concern that if the school cuts anymore it will hurt education.

“People want to add another technology teacher (for Dassa McKinney Elementary School),” Duke said. “How could we add things if we keep cutting?”

Board President Douglas Kimmey reminded the board it only approved the preliminary budget and changes may be made after hearing public reaction.

The district also unanimously approved a nonsurface lease with Southeast Land Services, which represents Shell.

Choosing a nonsurface lease means Shell would not do any surface operations without first getting written permission from the school board.

The proposed lease is available online at www.moniteau.k12.pa.us, under the “Board of Directors” tab.

The lease is for $3,000 per acre, with Moniteau owning 35 acres at the junior/senior high school and 38 acres at Dassa McKinney Elementary School.

The board had the option of accepting a surface lease for an addition $250 per acre.

In other action, the board agreed to raise school breakfast and lunch prices for the 2012-13 school year.

Breakfast at the elementary and high school will be 90 cents, up 5 cents; and lunch will be $1.60 for elementary students and $1.85 for high school students, both up 10 cents.

Director of Food Service Jennifer Zellefrow proposed the increase as the school meets Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids requirements.

The next school board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday.