Board of Education Unanimously Adopts 2015-16 Budget

The Westfield Board of Education unanimously adopted its school district budget for the 2015-16 year.

The tentative budget was approved on April 22 and the Executive Superintendent presented the budget to the public this past Tuesday, April 28.

The total amount of the budget for General Fund expenses in the proposed 2015-16 budget is $98,682,691, of which $91,791,272 will be raised by tax levy, the school district said. Westfield residents can expect to see an increase in school tax of $314 to the average homeowner, raising the school tax on the average house to $9,246, up from $8,932 in 2014-15.

Despite student enrollment increasing 45 percent in 25 years, the cost per pupil has remained below the average for the state of New Jersey. The average cost per pupil in Westfield is $12,662, more than $1,500 below the state average of $14,173.

According to the school district, goals of the budget include maintain district programs at a level of excellence, maintain class sizes, highlight technology and deliver a responsible budget to taxpayers, “upholding the district’s record of efficient spending.”

Visit the Westfield Public Schools website to read the entire budget or a 2015-16 budget summary.