The school board last Thursday passed a $24.7 million budget that holds the tax line at 24.15 mills for property owners in Carnegie, Crafton and Rosslyn Farms. The budget is $1.5 million more than last year's.

The district has not raised taxes since 2004.

The district has been awarded a Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge grant of $9,972 to start a cardiovascular exercise program to address childhood obesity.

The grant will enable the district to introduce programs to make students healthier and to purchase additional equipment for its fitness center so more students can exercise during physical education classes.

The program is expected to reach 350 children in grades 7-12.

School directors last Thursday approved a $52.7 million holding taxes at 18.9 mills for property owners in Robinson, Kennedy, Ingram, Thornburg and Pennsbury Village. The budget is $1.7 million higher than last year.

The board also approved moving ahead with two projects connected to the ongoing renovation of the football stadium: concrete work in front of the grandstand for $42,000 and concrete curb replacement for $37,000.

The board also approved $21,000 worth of paving at Burkett and Ingram elementary schools.

Keith A. Bielby, 43, of Center, an accountant for the Center Area School District, has been hired by a 7-2 vote for a position in the business office. Mark Limbruner and Ben Bonham dissented. His salary will be $48,500.

Mr. Bonham said the district should be cautious about hiring new employes, noting that he was concerned about the financial impact. Director Rose Varsanik said the board is filling a vacancy, not creating a position.

• A pilot summer school program in progress at the high school is being hosted by the Prevention Network and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit to help high school students who need to recover credits for failed or deficient course work.

• School directors have voted unanimously to seek bids to replace the entrance foyer flooring, which is curling in Bon Meade Elementary School.

The administrate estimates that replacing the floor will cost $12,540. Mr. Bennett, director of Fiscal and School Services, said the cost of the project would be charged to the capital reserve fund.

• The board voted 6-3 to keep full-time public relations officer Amanda Hartle at a salary of $30,000 with benefits. Mark Limbruner, Jeff Bussard and Ben Bonham were opposed.