The Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School Joint Operating Committee agreed Thursday to forward a proposed $5.9 million budget that includes a $71,663 increase in total payments from the seven participating school districts.

In addition, the committee hired Regina Hiler, principal and assistant director, as the new executive director at a salary of $110,000.

The proposed operating budget is $173,222 more than the current budget. The seven member school districts will be asked to pay a total of $4.3 million, or $71,663 more than they paid this year.

The budget will be sent to each school board member of the seven districts for final approval.

Each school district's payment toward the operating budget is based on the number of students they send to the vo-tech and a formula to cover the cost of equipment at the school.

The districts and the amounts they will be asked to pay are — Butler Area, $1.8 million; Seneca Valley, $621,854; South Butler County, $518,206; Karns City Area, $481,447; Slippery Rock Area, $446,983; Mars Area, $243,854; and Moniteau, $227,053.

Spending includes: $3.3 million for education programs; $814,199 for building operation and maintenance; $395,357 for technology support services; $375,923 for administration; $334,730 for student support services; $272,460 for the business office; $227,452 for the principal's office; $40,000 for security; $33,742 for adult evening programs; $8,500 for noninstruction staff development; $8,498 for staff development; and $8,000 for vehicle maintenance.

Revenue from other sources totals $836,508 and includes $436,621 in retirement payment refunds, $264,859 from the federal Carl D. Perkins Act for career and technical education, $98,287 from Social Security, $33,742 from the adult evening program and $3,000 in interest.

Hiler, who has worked for the school for five years, all as principal and assistant director, will replace Kurt Speicher following his June 30 retirement. He has worked for the school for 11 years, the last five in his current role.

“I'm very excited,” Hiler said. “I'm proud to continue the high level of career and technical education we provide students here.”

She said students and staff are dedicated and hard-working.

“I'm honored to be chosen to be their leader,” Hiler said.