JACKSON TWP — The Seneca Valley School Board approved a proposed 2011-12 budget that includes a 5.6 mill property tax increase and cuts to programs, classes and the elimination of 30 employee positions.

The tax increase and deep cuts are the result of a $10 million budget deficit which must be closed before the board approves a final budget.

Under the proposed $94 million budget that the board passed Monday night, the property tax rate would increase from 100 mills to 105.6 mills.

The proposal includes the elimination of 16 teaching positions and 15 paraprofessional positions.

The potential staff cuts include seven business education positions, four physical education positions, three positions in the district’s elementary education program, one position in the guidance department and another position in the French department.

Also under consideration for elimination are paraprofessionals in the library, nursing, building and preschool departments.

The board also is considering cutting or curtailing nine classes in the business curriculum and several more in family consumer sciences.