Fast notes: CD school board meeting

Below are highlights of last night's meeting:

* Approved a preliminary $149 million district budget for next school year with a 2.45 percent tax hike. For a property assessed at the district average of $129,732, the increase would be $43. Justin McShane, Christian Malesic and Michael Brehm cast no votes. A final vote on the budget will take place next month, so residents still have time to weigh in on the spending plan.

CLICK HERE to view a news brief from The Patriot-News that includes reader comments.

And, CLICK HERE for background on next year's budget proposals.

* Approved a $12 million line of credit with Commerce Bank as a short-term source of funds for implementing an energy-savings program and other maintenance projects.

* In a controversial vote, the board hired Sodexo School Services to replace the current food service management company, Nutrition Group.

* Approved joining a health insurance cooperative that is expected to generate an estimated $333,000 of annual savings for the district.

* Hired a new workers’ compensation insurance broker.

* Heard a parent of a special needs student express concerns about the conduct of the principal at North Side Elementary School.