According to the Asbury Park Press's article, the spending plan seems reasonable and I see no reason for voters to reject it. The budget will increase by 1.38% which is well below Governor Christie's 2% cap on budget spending.
This budget will provide for the hiring of additional teachers this year, which will help to alleviate classroom overcrowding in a few of the districts school.
I was not at last night's meeting but from what I was told, a few who were in attendance questioned the leanness of the budget and whether or not the school board left enough wiggle room within it in case it was rejected by voters, as it was last year.
I was told that the response to this questions was that the budget was purposely put together lean in an attempt to show residents and the Township Committee that this budget, unlike previous one, was honest and reflective of the times. And if the budget was rejected, it would be devastating to the district.
The main thing that I am curious about, is how contract negotiations with the teacher's union is going. unlike in years past, these talks have been relatively quite but still unresolved over issues concerning healthcare contributions. So I wonder how the Board of Education can produce and honest, lean budget without a signed contract with the teachers?
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Looking at the comments to the APP article, it appears most do not want to vote for the budget. I question if they think a public education should be free?
Comments suggesting to fire everyone are ridiculous and inane.
If the BOE made a serious attempt to control waste and tighten the budget, then I am in favor. If they didn't, then the BOE members should not be reelected.
The BOE and the public at large who value public education must get a clear message out as to why the budget must be supported.
I expect Gov. Christi now to also come out and support those districts who got their budgets under the 2% cap.
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