School budget increases a ‘drain on elderly of this community’
It never stops — Board of Education (BOE) budget increases leading to higher property taxes. Regardless of the amount, it is a drain on the elderly of this community (18 percent). We daily struggle just to meet daily sustenance and medical bills.
“Fixed income” is a misnomer — so much for that.
Last year’s budget had an item of $986,890 for extracurricular activities for catch up with other districts similar to ours. Through negotiation with the BOE it was reduced to $137,000 to cover expenses for track improvement and new band uniforms.
Now the proposed budget includes golf, bowling and new dance programs in another attempt to match or exceed other schools of our size.
In addition, there is $450,000 for general funds for the purchase of security and lighting upgrades at numerous schools. This in spite of the fact that these items were included in the $38.5 million renovation just completed. Also, I don’t see any mention of moneys for improving the low scores on the New Jersey assessment tests.
These tests include the grade eight proficiency assessment, the New Jersey assessment of skills and knowledge, and the high school proficiency assessment.
Director Caroline Pond said, “We are upset and plan to do something about it.” Spell out the details.
Finally, the cost of educating a student in our school system in 2002-03 was $9,494 and in 2003-04 was $10,232, an increase of 7.8 percent as shown in the school report cards shown in a local daily newspaper.
Finally, there is undoubtedly an item of $500,000 in the budget to cover any rejection of the offered budget by Matawan and Aberdeen. If there is acceptance by the voters, the BOE has more than really needed.
I have seen only the outside of the high school, and it is beautiful.
My belief is this budget needs serious revisions and a better use of resources.
Walter L. Born
Aberdeen
It never stops — Board of Education (BOE) budget increases leading to higher property taxes. Regardless of the amount, it is a drain on the elderly of this community (18 percent). We daily struggle just to meet daily sustenance and medical bills.
“Fixed income” is a misnomer — so much for that.
Last year’s budget had an item of $986,890 for extracurricular activities for catch up with other districts similar to ours. Through negotiation with the BOE it was reduced to $137,000 to cover expenses for track improvement and new band uniforms.
Now the proposed budget includes golf, bowling and new dance programs in another attempt to match or exceed other schools of our size.
In addition, there is $450,000 for general funds for the purchase of security and lighting upgrades at numerous schools. This in spite of the fact that these items were included in the $38.5 million renovation just completed. Also, I don’t see any mention of moneys for improving the low scores on the New Jersey assessment tests.
These tests include the grade eight proficiency assessment, the New Jersey assessment of skills and knowledge, and the high school proficiency assessment.
Director Caroline Pond said, “We are upset and plan to do something about it.” Spell out the details.
Finally, the cost of educating a student in our school system in 2002-03 was $9,494 and in 2003-04 was $10,232, an increase of 7.8 percent as shown in the school report cards shown in a local daily newspaper.
Finally, there is undoubtedly an item of $500,000 in the budget to cover any rejection of the offered budget by Matawan and Aberdeen. If there is acceptance by the voters, the BOE has more than really needed.
I have seen only the outside of the high school, and it is beautiful.
My belief is this budget needs serious revisions and a better use of resources.
Walter L. Born
Aberdeen
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