Board to Discuss School Budget with Community at Tonight's Forum

The Board of Education presented the at a Jan. 27 meeting, citing a 0.88 percent increase in expenses, amounting to $280,000.

Based on the average assessed home, the tax levy will be $38 for each half of year in this proposed 2011/2012 budget, or just under 1 percent, said John Wolak, Board Finance Chairman.

Also under the proposed budget, there will not be any cuts made to teaching staff, other than through retirement, or from curriculum, athletics, co-curricular activities or extracurricular activities. But the district will not have any extra funds in the technology budget or supplies budget to replace some of the district's older computers.

So, have questions about the proposed school budget?

Well, all community members will have the opportunity to discuss the budget at tonight’s New Providence Board of Education Superintendent Forum at 7 p.m. in the high school/middle school media center.

“Last year, we saw unprecedented financial changes in education,” Miceli said in a press release, announcing the forums. “The district managed these changes while maintaining the educational excellence the New Providence community has always supported. It is critical now more than ever before, that community members are informed about the budget process so they can ultimately shape the future of the New Providence School District.”

Miceli said the budget calendar is available on the school district’s website under the Board of Education section.

As of this afternoon, the tenative budget time-line for the budget approval process is as follows:

Wednesday, February 9 – Dr. Miceli and members of the finance committee will host an informal, open forum for members of the community to discuss the proposed budget. This forum will take place in the high school/middle school media center at 7 p.m.

Thursday, February 10 – Board of Education Work Session; Board will have their second discussion on the budget, hopefully with ratables and a more definite idea on where they stand, at 8 p.m.

Monday, February 28 – Board of Education Regular Meeting (previously scheduled for Feb. 24). At this 8 p.m. meeting, the Board is hoping to approve the tentative budget in order to submit it to the Union County Superintendent for approval. The deadline for submission is March 4.

Wednesday, March 9 - Dr. Miceli and members of the finance committee will host a second informal, open forum for members of the community to discuss the proposed budget. This forum will take place in the high school/middle school media center at 7 p.m.

Monday, March 14 - The board hopes to receive approval from the County Superintendent. (Approval deadline is set for March 22).

Tuesday, March 15 - Forward advertisement for budget public hearing to local newspapers

Saturday, March 19 - Advertise budget public hearing. By law, this must be done at least four days prior.

Thursday, March 24 – The board will present the budget, approved by the county superintendent, to the public in the high school cafeteria. Time TBA. Budget adoption must be completed by March 29.

Wednesday, April 27 – The election to vote on 2011/2012 budget.