Caldwell-West Caldwell School Board Adopts 2024-2025 Budget
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
05/06/2024
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Recording Published:
05/06/2024
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Duration:
30 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Caldwell, West Caldwell
- Meeting Overview:
The Caldwell-West Caldwell School Board adopted the 2024-2025 School District budget, which included a total tax increase of 1.8% in the face of rising expenses, especially in salaries and health benefits. The School Business Administrator and Board Secretary, Brian McCarthy, presented the budget, outlining the financial challenges and the efforts to mitigate them without compromising educational quality. The board also discussed the completion of various infrastructure projects and touched upon shared services with local departments.
In the detailed budget presentation, McCarthy addressed the limitation on revenue increase to 2% without a special vote and the district’s response to ballooning expenses. Salaries and health benefits, which form a portion of the budget, have notably increased. The board took measures to streamline spending, which included cutting full-time equivalent salaries, decreasing supply budgets, and scaling back on the Smart Academy program. Despite these cuts, the district has maintained a focus on improving instruction and investing in staff training and technology.
The operating budget’s breakdown was provided. The increase in employee benefits and health insurance by $847,000 was a standout figure when compared to the previous year’s budget. McCarthy made note of the district’s efforts to manage funds effectively, including the strategic use of the American Rescue Plan funds and the district’s debt service fund.
The budget’s tax implications were a point of contention. With a total tax increase of 1.8%, the board carefully considered the tax burden on residents while ensuring the district’s needs were met. The board also highlighted the successful completion of several infrastructure projects, which included upgrades to security systems, renovations of the Grover Cleveland Auditorium, and improvements to the Harrison school.
The topic of shared services was also discussed, with the board mentioning collaborations such as sharing salt and landscaping with the Department of Public Works and informal security arrangements with the local police. These cooperative efforts aim to reduce costs while maintaining essential services and safety for the district.
During the meeting, there was a period for public comments, although the transcript did not specify whether any members of the public took this opportunity.
The board subsequently made a motion to enter back into executive session and provided a reminder about the next meeting’s location.
Dr. Christopher Conklin
School Board Officials:
Julianne Grosso, Chris D’Ambola, Terri DiMartini-Greenlee, Danielle Mack, Marisa Landolfi-Jefferson
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
05/06/2024
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Recording Published:
05/06/2024
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Duration:
30 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Caldwell, West Caldwell
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