BOE Looks into Activity Fee, Elementary Spanish Classes

The Board of Education Tuesday night at Madison High School voted through its final reduced budget, which assumes a number of position and program restorations related to a wage freeze taken by all unions.

However, more discussion is being sought for two budget related items–the elementary world language program and a high school activity program fee.

The world language program's partial restoration is reflected in the final budget numbers. The recommendation by some in the finance committee was to–instead of eliminating the entire Spanish program from the three elementary schools–restore one teaching position and limit the program to fourth and fifth grades.

The program had previously utilized two positions, teaching only Spanish from first grade on. Classes were twice a week at all class levels, with period times at 25 minutes for first-third grades, and 40 minutes for fourth-fifth.

The recommendation comes after the committee looked at what other districts have done with their elementary world language programs since state aid was reduced late in this budget season.

"This is in step with what we're seeing in peer school districts, to shift elementary world language to an upper elementary grade program," Superintendent Dr. Richard Noonan said.

It also comes after the Borough Council recommended the full restoration of the program in the reduced budget it handed down after the original was defeated.

"I think part of what we're doing is recognizing the input we got from there," BOE Vice President Pat Rowe said.

Though discussion will be ongoing for what will most likely be a vote at next Tuesday's meeting, most members of the board appeared to agree with what is being proposed.

"I think it's a very good compromise considering the financial difficulties," President Lisa Ellis said.

Also playing into a decision to not completely eliminate the program is the feeling of many members that the state, which mandates world language instruction at the elementary level, would not allow for the program to be cut completely by trying to make up for its loss in other classes.

Much less certain is a high school activity fee, a proposal for which was made at the request of the finance committee by MHS Principal Greg Robertson, Athletic Director Sean Dowling, and Dean of Students John Connolly. Noonan said the fee would go to offset some of the $1 million activities cost the district.

The recommendation by the three was to implement a $100 fee for students participating in any sport, club or other activity that has a board funded stipend. The fee would be a flat rate, meaning there would be no second fee for a student who is involved in multiple activities. There would also be a family cap at $200 dollars, so families with more than two children participating in such activities would not exceed that amount.

Robertson, echoed by his colleagues and members of the board during the meeting, said this was a last resort proposal.

"We certainly don't want to have to charge kids to participate in extra curricular activities," Robertson said. "We don't want to dissuade them from getting involved. Yet, these are difficult times and we are looking for ways to ensure we provide wonderful extra curricular activities and educational opportunities for our kids."

The recommendation on Tuesday also called for a tie-in with the federal free and reduced lunch program. Students receiving free lunch would not have to pay an activity fee. Those who only pay 50 percent of their lunch cost would in turn only pay a $50 activity fee.

It was estimated that about 600 students participate in activities, most in more than one, and about 50 of them receive lunch aid. It was also estimated that the activity fee would generate about $60,000 during the school year.

Those giving the proposal said they looked at surrounding districts and found that their fee suggestion is on the low side for those implementing one. Chatham, which has built in a fee for its budget, will charge $150 per student. Kinnelon was used as the high-end example, with students paying $300. A report by the Moorestown district on activity fees was largely used in comparisons.

There was a long discussion by board members about the fee, but it was more based on the overall athletic program than the fee.

Three members in particular, Linda Gilbert, Dave Arthur, and Sam Cavaliere, did not want to act on the fee until more information could be ascertained. Arthur and Cavaliere wanted to see exactly how much money was spent on each sport and club, and how it is spent. Gilbert wants more concrete information on a policy for the fee.

Those concerns will push back any vote until at least next Tuesday, when Arthur and Cavaliere hope to have enough information on the activities budget. There was also discussion of a more thorough look into better and more cost effective ways of running programs.

Though more information is being sought, many members said it was a reality of the budget situation that a fee was probable.

"I think it's a good number," Ellis said. "Having two kids playing three sports, I can live with this."

Pat Kennedy, a parent involved with the baseball booster club, said she felt the district may be able to find this money from other places in the budget besides an activity fee. Other parents wishing to comment on this proposal will get their chance at the June 15 meeting at the Madison High School library.

The $60,000 expected from the fees was not part of the final budget approved on Tuesday. The restoration of the Spanish position was, but in the event the proposed partial world language restoration isn't approved, the money would go into the surplus.

Editor's note: For a full list of recommended position and program restorations, clikc here.