Ridgewood Chips Away at School Budget Deficit

When February started, the Ridgewood Public School district was facing a . As the calendar turns to March, that deficit has been reduced considerably, according to school officials.

In an e-mail late Friday, Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said the gain of an and cuts across line items based on historical levels has closed the gap to $200,000.

"We will attempt to close the $200,000 gap without impacting teaching positions," Fishbein said Friday.

Administrators have said the gap has largely been caused by a budgeted 2 percent increase in teacher salaries, increased health care claims, and new science kits across grade levels.

School taxes are expected to rise about $200 to keep in line with the 2 percent cap.

Although many neighboring districts – including Glen Rock – have moved elections to November and taken budget votes out of the hands of residents, Ridgewood's public will decide the 2012-2013 budget fate in April.