Easton Area Schools Face $7.6 Million Deficit

It's not as bad as the deficit , but the Easton Area School Board is looking at a 2012-2013 budget with a $7.6 million hole.

According to The Morning Call, the district bases that number on an increase in salaries, medical premiums and Social Security/pension obligations.

District Chief Operating Officer has proposed lowering the deficit partially by pulling $3 million from a surplus account.

Board members at a committee meeting Wednesday indicated they would waive their right to go over a 2.2 percent tax increase set by the state. 

"There's absolutely no way we're going over the 2.2 percent," new board member Frank Pintabone told The Morning Call. "The people can't afford it. I don't see anything good coming out of going above."

Last year, the district was faced with a $14 million deficit. At one point, the district looked at as a way to balance the budget. Ultimately, the district and its teachers came to an agreement, after the teachers said they would take .