CHERRY TWP — The Moniteau School Board Monday night approved a $20.2 million budget for 2014-15 on an 8-1 vote.

Board members Melissa DeMatteis, Joann Duke, Trixie Heck, Diane Hunter, Douglas Kimmey, Kathy McBride, Michael Panza and Linda Dillaman voted for the budget.

Roy Peffer, who voted against the budget, said, “I’m trying to look out for the education of students.”

The new budget is up from the current school year budget of $19.5 million. However, there will be no tax increase for district residents.

The property tax rate will remain at 84.64 mills, or $8.46 for each $100 of a property’s assessed value.

The new budget includes $842,535 from the district fund balance.

“We put in a tight budget and trimmed where we could,” said district manager John D’Amore.

“We don’t want to jeopardize student education,” said Superintendent George Svolos. “We have a high academic standard and we’re going to maintain that.”

The budget reflects an increase of $468,631 in benefits, retirement costs and cyber school tuition paid by the district. The district has little control over these costs.

“I’m disappointed in the state,” Svolos said.

The new budget is less than the preliminary budget.

D’Amore said this is the net effect from recent teacher negotiations.

The board also approved the purchase and installation of a new football field scoreboard at a cost of $24,400.