Gerard Hanley had what he believed was a simple question for Sharpsville Area School Board members Wednesday, minutes before they were expected to approve an 11.1 percent tax hike and 5èpercent larger budget for 2003-04.

He asked if the board had met as a whole since last month's meeting to see if any further trimming of the proposed budget was possible.

No, board President Terry Karsonovich told Hanley, a former board member who will be on the fall ballot for school director. "We are as bare as pretty much where we're going to go right now."

Karsonovich said a majority of board members was satisfied and felt any further trimming would entail cutting teachers, programs, sports or administrative positions.

Less than an hour later, directors approved a 6-mill tax increase and an $11.5 million budget. Voting yes on both motions were: Kimberly Barringer, David DeForest, Lori Gill, Joyce Grandy and Karsonovich. Voting no were: Donna Murray and Charles Rice. Susan Pokorney and Chris Ruffo were absent.