Steel Valley School District board members appear to be committed to not raising taxes more than the 5.7 percent threshold permitted under state law this year. Districts can file for exemptions to the limits set by the state.

Seven school directors attended a Tuesday night session of the board's financial management committee, at which they got their first glance at the preliminary 2009-2010 budget. At this point, that budget is expected to total about $28 million.

Director of Operational Services Mark Cherpak showed the board the outline for two spending plans -- one held taxes at the current 21.21 mills, the other raised taxes the allowed 5.7 percent or 1.21 mills. Even with the tax hike, it appears the budget will be tight and school directors and administrators will have to find areas to make cuts based on the board discussion.

The largest portion of the budget is the $16.1 million allotted for salaries and benefits of employees.

Board President Joseph Ducar said the proposed 5.7 percent increase is a "worst-case scenario" and that he hopes the board is able to trim that amount. Other school directors concurred.

The financial management committee will hold another meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 and a preliminary budget will be available for viewing by the public at the district administrative offices by Feb, 15, Mr. Cherpak said.