04:06The meeting’s most issue was the discussion of the district’s precarious financial situation, highlighted by a $17 million shortfall from state funding. This deficit has put immense pressure on the district, forcing it to consider a substantial increase in the tax levy to maintain operations. The superintendent detailed the district’s efforts to operate efficiently, citing the elimination of over 150 staff positions and budget cuts. Despite these measures, the district remains underfunded by approximately 29% due to historical cuts, and the state’s funding limitations have compounded their financial woes.

01:07Miss Wby presented an amended tentative budget, noting that the original plan had been rejected due to an inappropriate land sale line. The proposed budget includes a 2% increase in the operating budget, primarily for curriculum updates, and a debt service tax levy decrease of 24%. However, she emphasized the necessity of a 12.24% increase on the tax levy, resulting in a total net tax levy increase of 14.24%. Miss Wby highlighted the challenges posed by rising costs and decreasing state aid, noting that the district had lost over $10 million in state aid over the last three years. Despite cost-saving measures, including a health insurance modification and redistricting, the district cannot sustain the financial pressure without additional revenue.

21:35Community members expressed concerns during the public comment section. John Pinto from Fork River urged the board to explore alternative solutions to budget cuts and suggested adjustments to programs like the six-period stipend and block scheduling. Richard Bidnik, representing Lacy Citizens for Responsible Government, criticized the district’s financial management and proposed a 10% salary cut for the teachers’ union. He questioned the expenses related to health insurance and urged accountability for past financial decisions.

33:44Jen Bentley, a third-grade teacher and vice president of the Lacey Teachers Association, addressed misinformation circulating in the community regarding teacher concessions. She emphasized the collective nature of the district’s challenges and called for transparency and collaboration to resolve them. Michael Ryan, president of the Lacey Township Education Association, pointed out the consequences of funding cuts, including increasing class sizes and potential cuts to extracurricular programs. He advocated for community support and policy changes to secure increased funding.

07:22The board members expressed their concerns about the implications of the proposed budget and the application to the state. One member recounted a recent vote on a tentative budget that had been passed unanimously but was now in jeopardy due to the state’s response to financial strategies. The urgency of the situation was emphasized, with a reminder that the application must be submitted by Monday. Another board member articulated their belief that the funding shortfall stemmed from inadequate state support rather than community failings, stating, “I cannot in good conscience ask our taxpayers to pay more.”

01:19:48As the meeting concluded, the board voted against the budget application. Despite this decision, the superintendent warned that failing to approve the resolution could lead to severe consequences, including the need to cut an additional 49 positions, which would drastically increase class sizes and eliminate various programs, including sports and extracurricular activities.