Marlboro School Budget Could Increase Taxes

The Marlboro Board of Education approved a tentative $88 million budget on Monday that could potentially increase taxes, but by less than one percent.

The budget would be supported by a $62.6 million tax levy, according to budget projections. Tax rates have the potential to raise to 2.8 cents per $100,000.

According to The News Transcript, district debt service is expected to reach $4.6 million in the 2013-14 school year, supported by a $3.9 million tax levy.

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The 2012-13 budget lowered the tax impact by 2.5 cents. For the last three years, taxes have not been raised nor lowered by the school budget.

In order to save costs, Barr-Rague said in a March 11 meeting that the budget calls for an elimination of three teacher positions due to declining enrollment, three world language positions due to program changes, and the elimination or adaptation of several other programs and positions as cost-saving measures.

Board member Cynthia Green said that as a former world language teacher, she believes the new program in the budget is "not very rich."

"I'm very unhappy with eliminating the three positions in world language," Green said. "With that being said, having listened to the process that we've used and everybody's opinions as we've gone along, I'm willing to support this budget even though it's missing something I would really like to see there."

Board member Bonnie Sue Rosenwald voted down the tentative budget, and  said the long term security plan outline for the district was also something she couldn't get behind.

"I'm not really on board with our $2.5 million security plan. And [the board] knew that from our executive session, I'm not going into that," Rosenwald said. "I'm not happy with the budget. 

Board Vice President Victoria Dean voted to pass the tentative budget, however Dean did state she was not happy with the tax increase.

"There are things in the security plan I don't agree with either, but as a board member I feel it's our responsibility to keep this district moving forward," Dean said.

A public hearing on the budget will be held at 7 p.m. on March 18 at the district administration offices.