The Troy School District on Wednesday approved a lower mill rate, lowering residents’ taxes for the upcoming year.

The Troy School board met this week to approve the budget, recognize dedicated employees and local support.

The board unanimously approved the total taxable and market value to the elementary and high school districts, which Superintendent Dr. Jacob Francom estimates will lower taxes on Troy residents.

The total district mill levies decreased by approximately $57,028 since the last school year, leaving the total mill levy for Troy Public Schools at $4,568,097.02.

The board recognized Wendy Tunison for her achievements as the yearbook club supervisor this year and for her years as a paraprofessional. This year, the yearbook was dedicated to Scott Hoffman, a maintenance worker and boiler operator at Troy Public Schools, who Francom said has been an overall mentor and leader for the school district.

Hecla Mining Company donated 20 coats to the school this year for the shop classes. Francom extended his thanks to the company for their support, specifically Monique Hayes, external affairs coordinator for the company, who worked with the school during the donations.

Troy schools will also be giving out student surveys to recent graduates. The surveys will come with 10 questions and ask students about their school experience and if they felt the experience prepared them for post-graduation life. In the future, survey data collected will give the school information on the areas it needs to improve as well as the areas it’s done well in.

The board approved the district obligations, United Clubs, minutes from the previous meetings, isolated transportation for one student who lives in the Yaak and the interlocal agreement for special education with the Yaak. They renewed grants from previous years, and approved clarifications in the staff, student and extracurricular activities handbooks.

The next Troy School board meeting is set for 6 p.m., Sept. 12 at the high school library.

Reporter Bethany Rolfson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at Reporter@TheWesternNews.com.