The district’s ongoing reductions in state aid, amounting to a 68% decrease since March 2018, have shifted the financial burden to Evesham’s taxpaying residents. The cumulative loss of over $31 million in state funding has forced the district to confront tough budgetary decisions. The upcoming tax levy for the school year is set at $69,963,000, resulting in an increase of $928 on the average assessed home value. In response to the decreased state aid, the board discussed strategies to balance the budget, such as adjustments to walking routes, the implementation of activity fees for the next year, and staffing reductions. Despite the financial pressures, the board has managed to preserve certain staff positions using one-time fund sources, such as the capital reserve withdrawal and the Health Insurance Fund dividend.

Among the changes proposed, the board highlighted the restructuring of class sizes and support due to the grade six class moving into grade seven, the elimination of family consumer science, and the reduction of music positions. The elimination of band and orchestra lessons was particularly troubling for members of the community, who voiced their concerns about the negative impact on students’ musical development and cognitive skills. Notably, a community organization’s donation saved the tier three position for the next school year.

The board also discussed a possible reduction in small group music lessons for seventh and eighth graders, as well as a decrease in Elementary Spanish classes and related arts positions. However, they noted the addition of a support position and the associated costs. The transportation department’s plans for new drivers and cost-saving measures were reviewed, along with revenue-generating opportunities such as property sales, health benefits reimbursement, and school bus advertising. In addition, the board discussed a bill that would allow districts to exceed the 2% tax levy cap for additional revenue to preserve programs and positions.

During the public comments portion, attendees expressed gratitude for the efforts to save staff members and the middle school model. Concerns were raised about the potential cuts to the music program and its importance to the community. Jacob Pman, a sixth grader, presented survey data opposing the elimination of the middle school model, while others, including Rosemary Bardi, Pamela Turowski, and Pat Leia, highlighted the significance of the music program. Attendees called for transparency regarding funding allocations and the need for ongoing conversations to find alternative funding sources.

ETSD Parents United, a group of concerned parents, urged the board and Superintendent Dr. Justin Smith to consider forming a parent advisory committee to foster collaborative discussions on such issues. The group expressed their fear that once programs like the band are cut, they may never be reinstated. Diane Snider expressed gratitude toward the board for their tough decision-making and appreciated the transparency shown by Dr. Smith.

In addition to these concerns, the meeting covered the approval of agenda items, annual appointments, and minutes. The board’s support for hiring bus drivers, the successful Multicultural Night, and the acknowledgment of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month were also discussed. Miss Fox voiced her opposition to potential cuts to the music program, pledging to fight for its preservation. The board also approved finance and operations items, personnel items, policy items, and received updates from the Curriculum Committee on field trips, special events, and summer programs.