Sports Saved But More Cuts, School Restructuring In New Lacey Budget

LACEY, NJ — Sports and co-curriculars have been restored in the latest Lacey Township School District budget, but courtesy busing, staff positions and more will still be cut and the district will see some restructuring of schools with a 7.57 percent tax increase.

It's a "compromise solution" that is "better than no solution," according to Acting Superintendent William Zylinski. The latest edition of the budget was shared at a special Board of Education meeting last week.

"It's a tentative budget that keeps our noses above water - not thriving

, but just above the water, while we explore every opportunity to recover state aid," Zylinski said, addressing an audience filled with concerned parents, staff and taxpayers.

Zylinski said that he believed the previous 14.24 percent tax increase was "the most responsible long-term plan for the community and our children." But the board balked at the sizable increase and shot down the measure.

With this proposed 7.57 tax increase, residents with the average home assessed at $288,906 will pay an extra $51 a month, or $616 a year. For a home assessed at $400,000, that's an extra $68 a month, or $816 a year.

Cuts Being Made

The district said that they would not be cutting sports and co-curriculars, as was previously possible. But officials say this budget will still have a significant impact.

There will no longer be courtesy busing and staff positions will be cut, including custodial staff, grounds staff, support staff and teachers.

Programs like advanced placement courses and some electives could be eliminated as well.

And the elementary schools will be restructured. Cedar Creek will house first graders and the district's autism program. Forked River School is going to be for second and third graders, and fourth and fifth graders will go to Lanoka Harbor School.

Class sizes will range from 33 to 35 students in first through fifth grades. Middle schoolers won't have as big of class sizes - about 31 students - because the school is "so tight," Zylinski said.

In the high school, class sizes could exceed 38 students.

What's Next?

The board approved introducing the budget in a 5-2 vote. That approval also allowed an application to be sent for the Tax Levy Incentive Aid, because according to the state, the district's property tax levy is below the local fair share. The district would receive state aid, which would be used to keep 39 teaching positions, they said.

A public hearing and vote on the budget is set for a May 6 special meeting.