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Star Ledger - "New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's announcements for sweeping budget cuts have left school boards scrambling close big budget gaps.
Christie Tuesday called for teachers and school employees statewide to accept a yearlong wage freeze to prevent layoffs, as well as cuts to student programs and higher property taxes.
The following is a snapshot of what some districts are contemplating..."
N.J. school boards detail program cuts, layoffs due to reduced state aid
March 24, 2010, 5:14AM
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's announcements for sweeping budget cuts have left school boards scrambling close big budget gaps.
Christie Tuesday called for teachers and school employees statewide to accept a yearlong wage freeze to prevent layoffs, as well as cuts to student programs and higher property taxes.
The following is a snapshot of what some districts are contemplating:
MADISON (K-12)
Layoffs planned: 11 full-time staff and faculty positions, including high school English and physical education teachers; several part-time teaching and teaching assistants
Programs eliminated: Middle-school sports; elementary world language instruction; sports physicals at district expense; summer help employment
Supplemental ballot questions: $198,693 to reinstate middle school sports and the position of visual and performing arts supervisor
Percent of tax increase: 4 percent without supplemental question; 4.6 percent with supplemental question
"This has been a budget year like no other. We’re expecting everyone to shoulder the burden." -- Superintendent Richard Noonan
EAST BRUNSWICK (K-12)
Layoffs planned: Nearly 100 positions eliminated, requiring layoffs for 65 full-time and 15 part-time employees; of that, 25 full-time and 15 part-time teaching positions will be eliminated.
Athletics and extra-curricular: Three junior varsity coaches will be cut, and the district will eliminate stipends for 88 club advisers; principals might step in to advise some clubs, and teachers may still volunteer
Supplemental ballot questions: None
Miscellaneous: Proposed cuts to supplies and materials, new textbooks, purchases services, training and travel expenses, as well as other areas; reductions in salary benefits, however, represent 77 percent of cuts
Percent tax increase: 3 percent
"To say it’s been an arduous process would be an extreme disservice to this district. It has been the most difficult budget as a business administrator here that I’ve dealt with in 16 years." -- Bernardo Giuliana, business administrator
ROXBURY (K-12)
Layoffs planned: 51 positions — 35 of which are teachers
Athletics and extra-curricular: Fall cheerleading, golf, ice hockey, indoor track, swimming, tennis, volleyball dropped as high school varsity sports
Supplemental ballot questions: None
Miscellaneous: Officials are considering having athletes pay a fee to play certain sports (called pay-to-play) and are seeking a waiver which would allow them to raise an additional $450,000 beyond their tax levy cap
Percent of tax increase: 4 percent
WEST MORRIS (regional high school)
Layoffs planned: 32 positions — 17 of which are teachers
Athletics and extra-curricular: Courtesy busing, 16 clubs, enrichment music lessons offered by adjunct teachers and athletic budget reductions
Supplemental ballot questions: None
Miscellaneous: They have suspended the search for a West Morris Central principal and will rely on existing administrators
Percent of tax increase: 3.3 percent
"There are no easy answers. Everything we cut is going to hurt somebody." -- School board president Cristen Forrester
DENVILLE (K-8)
Layoffs planned: Two special education teachers, a second grade teacher, a third grade teacher, a Valleyview Middle School counselor
Athletics and extra-curricular: The district wants to provide about $81,000 for the activities, with another $81,000 paid by pay-to-play fees
Percent of tax increase: about 3 percent
"When you’re staring down $1.4 million (in needed cuts), you’re taking on some risks." - Superintendent Drucilla Clark
SOUTH ORANGE-MAPLEWOOD (K-12)
Layoffs planned: 29 (net loss of 23 since the district plans on hiring six elementary school teachers)
Athletics and extra-curricular: No changes
Supplemental ballot questions: None
Miscellaneous: 76 full-time paraprofessionals who work with special ed students will also be let go, but all will have the option of returning to the district via an Essex County-based education consortium, albeit at lower wages and without health benefits. Administrators have agreed to take no raises this year, and school officials are looking to reopen contract talks with the teachers’ union to lessen or even eliminate salary increases due this year. Percent of tax increase: 3.5 percent
"This is a not just about a one-year crisis; this is about a year-over-year assault on education." - Superintendent Brian G. Osborne
MONTCLAIR (K-12)
Layoffs planned: About 85 employees to be cut in the central office, special education, elementary schools, middle schools and the high school; union agreed to freeze some salaries to save district $900,000 in exchange for extending contract; top administrators voluntarily waived pay raises
Athletics and extra-curricular: Cutting funding for summer programs, after-school activities and community programs
Supplemental ballot question: Because the school board is appointed, the district doesn’t hold elections
Miscellaneous: Cutting funding for world languages, writing workshops, tutoring, building maintenance and repairs, conferences and travel, textbooks and other supplies
Percent of tax increase: 4.8 percent
"This is ugly, and we don’t like it any more than you do, but it’s the reality." - School board member Shirley Grill
