For the second consecutive year, taxpayers in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District will enjoy a reduction in the millage rate.

At last night's meeting reconvened from June 17, the school board unanimously adopted a final budget of $58.78 million for the 2009-10 school year that lowers the tax rate by 0.11 mills.

While the average savings to a taxpayer will be $10 to $20, it is nonetheless significant, Superintendent Dr. Lawrence C. Korchnak said after the meeting.

"It is a important in this economy to perform a good-faith gesture to show taxpayers we understand what's happening in terms of economic realities. It also gives us a chance to show some fiscal responsibility as we didn't reduce it too much,'' he said.

The new tax rate will be 23.5 mills. The 2008-09 rate is 23.61 mills. Each mill generates about $1.4 million.

Last year's budget cut was 1 mill.

Despite a recently completed $64 million high school renovation project, officials said they were able to cut taxes through line-by-line budget trimmings and cutbacks wherever feasible.

Educational highlights of the budget include new English and science textbooks for grades 6 through 12 and new social studies textbooks for kindergarten through grade 5.

Athletic highlights include the reconstruction of the Harrison Middle School athletic field and the high school softball field.

Board President Martin Schmotzer said the budget retains a ``healthy'' fund balance of 5.21 percent.

The school board also accepted the resignation of high school Principal Dr. Todd Keruskin, effective next Tuesday, to become the assistant superintendent in the Elizabeth Forward School District.

Dr. John W. Wilkinson, Baldwin-Whitehall's assistant superintendent of secondary education, was approved as the interim high school principal. He will perform his current and new positions through the 2009-10 school year for an additional compensation of $125 per day.