Collingswood School Board Seeks $3 Million from Borough to Address Budget Shortfall
- Meeting Overview:
The Collingswood School Board convened a special session to tackle its financial difficulties, focusing on a budget deficit projected to reach $2.6 million. The board unanimously passed a resolution requesting an additional $3 million in revenue from the borough of Collingswood. This request aims to maintain educational standards and prevent further cuts to staff and programs.
0:12Central to the meeting was a discussion on the district’s financial challenges, which included an increase in costs by $3.4 million this fiscal year against a revenue increase of only $1.6 million. The trend is expected to continue, with costs projected to rise by $4 million next year while revenue may only increase by $1.2 million. The board is grappling with these deficits, which have already led to the reduction of 21 educators and the elimination of freshman sports.
The resolution proposed by the board requests the borough to raise $3 million in additional revenue through its tax levy cap and to commit at least 10% of yearly revenue from existing agreements to the school budget. Moreover, the board seeks at least 50% of revenue from new payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements to support the district’s budget. The resolution underscores the need for financial intervention to bridge the funding gap and sustain educational quality.
18:29The district has spent approximately $700,000 on transportation this year, with expectations to reach between $1 million and $1.1 million next year. The unpredictability of these costs adds complexity to budget planning, described metaphorically as “trying to nail Jello to a wall.”
During the session, comparisons were made between the borough’s property tax contributions and the state average, with Collingswood’s contribution at 46.8%, lower than the state average of 52.4%. It was suggested that aligning these contributions with the state average could have bolstered the district’s funding by an additional $4 to $5 million over the past decade.
33:11The board also addressed the significant tax implications for community members if the borough were to fulfill the $3 million request. An estimated yearly tax increase of $671 for the average household was discussed, equating to about $56 per month. This financial ask is presented as a necessary compromise to maintain the district’s educational quality amid the fiscal challenges.
1:04:02Public comments during the meeting echoed the board’s concerns, with community members urging for transparent engagement regarding the district’s financial needs. Several residents acknowledged the board’s efforts, expressing support for the collaboration between the school district and borough to secure fair funding and enhance educational offerings. Concerns were particularly focused on the impact of the proposed tax increases on families already facing rising costs due to property reassessments.
48:32Additionally, the meeting addressed issues related to teacher contracts and the ongoing budget crisis. A board member highlighted the need for collaboration without tying additional funding to promises regarding teacher contracts, as the financial landscape remains uncertain. The board emphasized that securing funding is a separate issue from resolving contract negotiations, although both are critical for the district’s stability.
1:39:35The discussion also touched on the impact of federal grant stability, with potential cuts threatening to exacerbate the district’s financial woes. The Wellness Center, which plays a role in student support, is funded through federal grants set to expire in 2026, raising concerns about future funding.
33:11The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the necessity for open dialogue and cooperation between the school board and the borough to address the financial shortfall. The board committed to exploring all possible avenues to secure funding and maintain the district’s educational standards, recognizing the collective responsibility to avoid detrimental outcomes for the community and its students.
Dr. Fredrick McDowell
School Board Officials:
Roger Chu, Kate Seltzer, Danielle Brown, Matthew Craig, Zakiya Devine, Kelly Maia, Meghan Mikulski, Sarah Sherman, Maggie Zmijewski, Richard Taibi, Christopher Dilkus
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/10/2025
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Recording Published:
02/10/2025
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Duration:
115 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Camden County
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Towns:
Collingswood, Woodlynne
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