Committee approves preliminary budget

BUTLER TWP — Butler Vo-Tech Joint Operating Committee members approved a revised preliminary budget Thursday night.

The preliminary 2015-16 budget, at almost $4.9 million, is a 6 percent increase from this year’s $4.6 million budget.

More than half of the proposed increases are to add an additional instructional aide and additional special education teacher, who are needed for an increase in the special education students at the school, an increase in supplies and equipment.

“We have to keep this school going, albeit difficult times,” said Joe Cunningham, vo-tech director.

The vo-tech committee had a special meeting in February to discuss the budget, laying out three options. Roy Peffer of the Moniteau School District and Linda Rieck of the South Butler School District voted against the revised budget.

Five out of seven school boards in participating districts — Butler, Karns City, Mars, Moniteau, Seneca Valley, Slippery Rock and South Butler — need to approve the vo-tech budget for it to be ratified.

Butler Downtown to host children’s event

Butler Downtown will host the first Butler Bunny Trail at 10 a.m. March 28.

Children ages 2 to 10 years old are invited to visit participating businesses on Main Street to collect Easter treats. Registration is $5 per child and proceeds benefit Butler Downtown, a nonprofit charitable organization.

The Butler Bunny Trail will begin at Parties and Playdates where children will create a papier-mâché Easter egg and receive a treat bag before heading down Main Street.

Participating businesses will be marked as stops along the trail, which will end at the Butler Arts Center where children and parents can have refreshments and meet the Easter Bunny.

Start times are at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and noon. Reservations are required and spots are limited.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To make a reservation and to select a start time, call Parties and Playdates at 724-496-6205 by March 20.

For information about the event, call 724-256-5769 or e-mail info@butlerdowntown.org.