School Board Holds Public Budget Hearing

Residents who wish to learn more about the 2012-13 school budget can attend the public hearing by the Board of Education Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the .

According to a presentation by Assistant Superintendent Michael LaSusa on Feb. 27, the 2012-13 proposed school budget for the School District of the Chathams has a 2.25 percent tax levy increase.

This is over one percent less than the allowable 3.28 percent increase, and an expenditure decrease of $73,951.

The district can also use $675,387 in banked cap from 2011-12, which brings the allowable tax levy increase to $1,731,213, or 3.28 percent, over last year without requiring a public vote.

Peter Daquila, the business administrator, said a budget with a tax levy increase of 2.25 percent will utilize $131,000 of the banked cap, leaving $545,000 the district can use before the 2014-15 school year. Using a portion of the tax cap will help the district "have a minimal spike effect on the taxpayers," Daquila said.

The budget does not restore the World Languages programs for grades 1 through 3, but it does expand the program at the middle school and high school level, allowing for third-year Mandarin studies.

The cost-per-pupil in Chatham remains among the lowest in J districts with K-12 programs at $11,861 per pupil. Millburn, by comparison, spends $14,910 and Mountain Lakes spends $18,584 per child.

The budget includes several staffing increases, especially at in the fourth grade. The incoming fourth grade class is the largest class in the entire district.

If the budget is approved as proposed, LAS will see an increase in five full-time staff members and one half-time staff member. will also receive a full-time health and physical education teacher.

To read more about the proposed 2012-13 school budget, .

A full copy of Monday's agenda for the Board of Education meeting is attached to this article.