ADAMS TWP — The 2017-18 preliminary budget passed by the Mars School Board on Tuesday night avoids a tax increase for the 10th straight year.

The tentative $47.8 million budget, said Superintendent Wesley Shipley, includes new programs such as:

- 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.

“This budget ... continues to be taxpayer friendly while responding to our changing and growing community,” Shipley said.

School board President Dayle Ferguson said the budget also was made possible by fiscally conservative budgeting and management, strategic planning for the long term, and careful prioritization and decision making.

“This budget balances our responsibility to deliver a solid, well-rounded educational program with fiscal responsibility and respect for our local taxpayers,” Ferguson said.

If passed by the school board on June 20 in its final version, the 2017-18 budget will mark a $2 million increase over the current $45.8 million district budget.