Evesham School Board Grapples with Budget Cuts and Class Size Increases
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
03/19/2024
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Recording Published:
03/19/2024
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Duration:
264 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Burlington County
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Towns:
Evesham
- Meeting Overview:
The Evesham School Board recently convened to address the pressing challenge of budget cuts necessitated by a significant reduction in state funding. This fiscal shortfall has led the board to propose various cost-saving measures, including the controversial increase in class sizes and the restructuring of educational programs.
Central to the board’s deliberations was the district’s financial situation, which included a $55,000 loss and cumulative losses of $31 million due to state funding cuts. The tax levy had increased to 69 mil 963 484, putting the average assessed home’s increase at $1,732,413. The board was faced with the difficult task of cutting over $1.6 million in staffing costs, despite losing only about half a million in state aid, and managing operating costs rising by more than 2% annually.
In response to these challenges, the board proposed increasing walking zones and eliminating bus routes to address a shortage of bus drivers, as well as raising activity fees. Specific staff changes were also discussed, such as restructuring tier three positions, increasing elementary class sizes, and reducing elementary related arts positions. The potential increase in class sizes for grades four and five to 26 and 27 students per class was a particular point of concern, given the impact on the teacher-student relationship and the educational experience.
The board also debated the modification of the middle school house system to achieve efficiencies, acknowledging the difficult trade-offs involved. The restructuring of the Elementary Spanish program and the consideration of reducing three positions for elementary related arts non-certificated staff were part of the budgetary adjustments under discussion.
There was community engagement during the public comments section. Concerns were raised about the potential loss of individual study time for middle school students and the importance of maintaining the current middle school model for their social and emotional well-being. The Evesham Township Education Association (ETA) representative argued against the restructuring of the middle schools to a junior high model, emphasizing the importance of the house and team system in meeting students’ needs.
Parents and community members voiced strong opposition to the proposed budget cuts, particularly regarding the tier 3 program for gifted students and the middle school team model. Suggestions were made for alternative options to cuts, such as fundraising and using savings from retiring teachers. The impact on special education services and the importance of team cohesion were also highlighted.
The board members themselves expressed concerns about the transparency and timing of the budget discussions and the importance of community dialogue before final decisions are made.
In addition to the budget, the meeting addressed the funding of Middle School teaching assistants through Esser money, the reduction of departmental spending, and the pursuit of grants. The board also discussed optimizing the transportation department through measures such as outsourcing, increasing wages, and providing benefits to retain drivers. Shared services agreements, such as that with the township for a School Resource Officer, were also part of the financial strategy.
Dr. Justin Smith
School Board Officials:
David Bock, Jaron Brown, Aiden DeMarsey, Joe Fisicaro, Tracy Fox, Aneesh Kanthan, Janis Knoll, Jamie Lee, William Thompson
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
03/19/2024
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Recording Published:
03/19/2024
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Duration:
264 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Burlington County
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Towns:
Evesham
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