ADAMS TWP – Mars School Board members listened patiently at their Tuesday night meeting to a number of the 70 residents, teachers and students who came to oppose the cuts in art in the 2012-13 preliminary budget, which was approved last week.

Like most school districts in Pennsylvania, Mars faces significantly increased expenses in next year’s budget that are out of the district’s control.

Through cuts in the art programs in the primary center and high school, in addition to other cost-saving measures, the district was able to pass next year’s $38.8 million budget without a tax increase.

However, the budget includes a $1.2 million deficit, which is down from the $2.5 million funding gap initially announced.

Several high school students spoke against the board’s decision to cut the art program from five to four days per week at their school.

Board president Dayle Ferguson said the board would take all comments into consideration, and commended the students for attending the meeting.

The board is expected to approve the 2012-13 budget on June 12.