The financial consultant, Ernie Turner, presented the district’s financial situation, highlighting the use of one-time fixes and the need for sustainable financial practices. The proposed budget, agreed upon by the board members present, aimed at restoring funding for student achievement and skills. This focus on educational support was further underscored by the need to address past financial constraints through bank cap authority, which allows for the utilization of unused tax levy increases.

The interim superintendent and the new budget director outlined the budget development process. They discussed the collection of data for expenditures, the challenges following a key staff member’s resignation, and the board’s role in overseeing the budget to ensure it aligns with district goals. The budget director detailed the objectives for the year, which included supporting teaching and learning, maintaining current class sizes, and seeking reductions in expenditures, among other goals.

The board’s request for an additional tax levy to meet these objectives was a significant topic of discussion. The necessity for funds was further clarified by the presentation of a comparison between the current tax levy and the proposed adjustments. The board also considered the statutory authority to raise the school tax levy, with allowable adjustments for both enrollment and healthcare cost increases.

The major drivers of the school budget’s expenditures were discussed, with particular emphasis on the increases in fixed expenditures such as salaries, health benefits, and student transportation, and their impact on the budget. A list of items to be restored in the general budget, which had been removed or underfunded in previous budgets, was presented.

One of the most critical areas of focus was the restoration of various programs and positions not included in the previous budget. The meeting emphasized the need to restore the extended school year program for special education, the one-to-one Chromebook initiative, and positions like the Bayberry PE teacher, school counselor, and school resource officer. These had been previously funded through non-recurring sources, such as grants and bond interest, which are no longer available. The board also discussed necessary adjustments in various positions and the proposed 12% tax levy increase to cover a 7% expense increase in the budget, as well as the need to address a shortfall.

Additionally, the meeting touched upon the adoption of the tentative budget and the concerns regarding the budget increase and its impact on the township’s affordability. The board passed the motion to approve the budget adjustments, which included a reminder of a public hearing scheduled for April 25, 2024.

Other discussions included the introduction of a new School Resource Officer by the Watchung Police Department and updates on recent school activities from the principals of Bayberry School and Valley View School. The superintendent highlighted student accomplishments in various competitions and shared pictures from recent school events.

The meeting also covered discussions on the menstrual education program for girls, the celebration of Pi Day, and student achievements. Updates from committees on personnel, curriculum, policy, and operations were provided, with the Operations and Finance committee detailing the tentative budget proposal, district goals action plan, and the final budget vote and staff reappointment date.

In the community engagement section, the board addressed concerns raised by a community member about the budget and banked cap funds. The meeting also included discussions on the rejection of bids for roof replacement due to high costs, updates on faculty room work, technology updates, and legislation related to school safety and security, among other topics.