Mineola School Board approved a $17 million budget Monday, along with the property tax rate to help fund it.

District tax payers will see the rate drop by almost 2.5 cents to $1.0437.

That makes the second consecutive year for the rate to decline, after last year’s drop from $1.17 thanks to changes in the state funding formula.

The budget will include a three percent staff pay raise.

The lower rate was made possible by higher property values.

Business Manager William Bjork said several revenue categories are being forecasted to drop, such as property tax collections, interest rates and athletic activities, due to the ongoing pandemic.

He also noted that the virus has had an impact on cafeteria revenues. He said that while meals the district served during the time the campuses were closed are being reimbursed, other supplies, such as sacks and containers, will not be.

And starting the new year, with about 20% of students opting to remain at home, meal service numbers are down. 

In addition, with two Mineola campuses now qualifying for free breakfasts and lunches, students have not taken full advantage of the opportunity.

The board also approved final budget amendments for the fiscal year that ended on Monday and designated funds for district improvements.

Bjork said the district set aside $5 million last year and recommended increasing that to $6.5 million.

That money will help fund the planned improvements to the high school band facilities.

The meeting was the first for the board since in-person public meetings were suspended in March.

Two board members did attended online.