A lot of changes are coming for Shaler Area School District residents next year, but a tax increase won't be one of them.

Last year's millage rate of 24.70 will remain the same for the 2008-09 school year, despite higher fuel costs, a new teachers' contract and the start of the district's "Vision for the Future" plan.

Even though costs are going up in a number of areas, the school board was able to hold the line on taxes because 25 teachers retired under an incentive plan, creating a savings for the district.

"We didn't replace several teachers because of a decline in enrollment," said Charles Bennett, the district's director of business affairs. "Those we did hire are, of course, starting at lower salaries."

That includes the full-day kindergarten teachers hired as part of the "Vision for the Future" program, which will begin in the upcoming school year. The program includes adding all-day kindergarten, reconfiguring the student population at each school and remodeling most of the school buildings.

"There are not a lot of things we can do to control costs, so when we can eliminate some salaries -- and that includes clerical and custodial workers as well as teachers and teachers' aides -- that goes a long way in saving the community some money," Mr. Bennett said.

"We also had a healthy fund balance from last year."

Like a savings account, a fund balance builds up interest, and the district can use the money to offset unanticipated costs.

"It's just good fiscal practice to carry a fund balance," Mr. Bennett said, noting that Shaler's fund balance is 4 percent to 8 percent of the district's operating budget. "It's a one-time revenue source that we may not have next year."

Another reason the district was able to avoid a tax increase was a decrease in the textbook allocation. "We replaced many of our textbooks last year," Mr. Bennett said.

Also, Shaler is part of a consortium that purchased fuel in bulk in cooperation with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit four years ago. "Of course, we have no control of the economy or fuel costs," Mr. Bennett said. "However, we are fortunate that our diesel costs are locked in at $4.34 a gallon for next year."

The board also refinanced some bond issues, which helped reduce expenditures.

Mr. Bennett said the district's tax base has been flat, with no growth in the community. "It's a tough balancing act, but this year we were able to hold the line."