ADAMS TWP — Property owners in the Mars School District have not seen a tax increase in a decade.

The school board on Tuesday night voted unanimously to pass the $47.8 million 2017-18 budget that was approved in a preliminary form last month.

School board President Dayle Ferguson said district officials worked hard to create a budget that includes new programs while holding the line on taxes.

“This budget was made possible through conservative budgeting, tight management and good decision-making,” Ferguson said.

Superintendent Wesley Shipley said at the approval of the preliminary budget that development in the district has increased the tax base, which allows the district to add the programs without raising taxes.

One mill brings in $248,485 in the Mars School District. The tax rate in the district is 99 mills.

A mill generates $1 in taxes for each $1,000 of a property's assessed value.

The new programs in the 2017-18 budget are:

An early intervention classroom for qualifying kindergarten students

An expanded special education pilot program to promote a continuum of services like full inclusion, a resource room and emotional support for all students

A redesigned offering of special area courses in kindergarten through sixth grade, including a STEAM class on a five-day rotating basis

Involvement with the National Math and Science Initiative to expand and improve advanced-placement courses, professional development and student proficiency on AP exams.

The budget marks a $2 million increase over the 2016-17 budget of $45.8 million.

“We're very blessed in this school district, to see the 10th year without a millage increase for our residents,” Ferguson said.