The discussion was led by Dr. Cisco and Mr. Rosa, who provided an overview of the district’s financial framework. They highlighted the unexpected expenditures related to essential student services, which necessitated further budget cuts beyond those initially considered. Among one notable issues was the reinstatement of the Envision’s math resource and program, a important tool for primary school students aimed at closing the math achievement gap. This resource had been eliminated due to budget constraints, but its reinstatement was included in the aid application, reflecting its importance in the educational framework.

The application also sought funding to employ two Rutgers Behavioral Health Care clinicians, one at the high school and another at Irving, to support students facing emotional regulation challenges. These positions were deemed necessary after the high school clinician’s role had been cut, and the need for additional support at Irving was identified due to significant behavioral issues among students.

Further budget reductions included the elimination of three educational positions: a part-time media center specialist at Irving Primary School, a full-time media center specialist at Bartle Elementary School, and a high school computer science teacher. These decisions were presented as unavoidable, with assurances that alternatives would be sought to maintain program delivery.

Facility upgrades, critical for safety and functionality, formed another component of the aid application. The district outlined urgent needs, such as replacing an aging heat pump at Irving, updating an outdated fire alarm panel, repairing bleachers, and improving door hardware systems at both Irving and Bartle schools. These improvements were deemed essential to ensure safe and effective learning environments.

This would result in a total tax levy increase of 6.06%, equating to an average annual increase of $486 for homeowners—substantially higher than the previously discussed 2.88% increase. The board planned to submit the application promptly to meet the April 14 deadline, with the hope of receiving state feedback before the final public budget hearing on May 5. Concerns were raised about potential delays in state responses, which could necessitate budget adjustments post-submission, complicating the district’s financial planning.

The meeting also delved into the implications of the state funding formula and its impact on local tax levies. Board members acknowledged the perception of Highland Park as sufficiently wealthy to support its schools, a notion contrasted by the reality of numerous students relying on free and reduced lunch programs.

One board member expressed concern that accepting current funding levels might imply approval of their sufficiency, rather than motivating a search for improved funding options. Emphasis was placed on the importance of community engagement in upcoming elections, with a call for voters over 18 to participate and research candidates’ positions on public school funding.

The board also discussed an annual assessment of funding adequacy, noting that changes could occur based on enrollment and state aid calculations. This year, a cap on funding losses prevented a reduction of $1.1 million, but future funding remained a concern due to rising costs, particularly for utilities and insurance, which exceeded the allowed 2% budgetary increase.

During the public comments section, a community member inquired about the tax levy, specifically regarding whether the projected $500 average tax increase for homeowners included the proposed levy increase. It was clarified that previous figures did not reflect the new tax levy amount, which would be updated in future presentations pending state approval.