Southern Ocean School District Considers Nearly 33% Tax Hike

LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ — The Little Egg Harbor School District could raise taxes nearly 33 percent as they grapple with cuts in state aid they can't make up without assistance.

Little Egg Harbor is "ready to fall off this fiscal cliff," Superintendent Lisa Antunes said at an April 15 meeting.

The district's business administrator, Robert Green, said at an April 3 meeting that the district was underfunded by $10 million. The state offered Tax Levy Incentive Aid, which would allow the district to hike taxes 32.6 percent - far past the usual 2 percent cap - if the Board of Education votes on its approval.

That extra funding would go only towards paying staff, Green said. Over the past several years, Little Egg Harbor has had to cut more than 60 staff members, and they say they cannot provide a "thorough and efficient education" as the state requires if they have to lose more. District officials say that this would create larger class sizes.

Federal funding is also expected to be cut, which would further impact the district, according to Green.

A home assessed at $308,000 would see an annual increase of $615, and a home assessed at $408,000 would see an increase of $815.

Members of the board said that while they knew the tax impact would be heavy, they wanted to do the best for the students, teachers and staff.

However, Board President Laura Erber voted against the proposal, calling her no vote a difficult but financially responsible decision.

The district is one of many throughout the state facing a financial crisis as they struggle to close huge budget gaps. Related: Massive Cuts Possible As Lacey Schools Face 'Budget Crisis'

A public hearing and final vote on the budget is set for the April 29 Board of Education meeting.