Extra Security Mark $139 Million School Budget

The board of education is planning a public hearing and possible adoption of a 2013-2014 school budget that includes a 1.86 percent tax levy increase.

The budget, .

As for state aid, although the district will be receiving $9,087,358, the same it received in the previous school year, there is an increase in assessments on the district, eliminating $80,000 from its aid.

The total budget itself has increase by 2.79 percent over the previous year because of additional surplus funds to be used.

The budget includes several additions, including extra security at the high school and floating teachers.

An additional $230,000 is still being used for an extra school resource officer and two more security personnel at the high school, as well as enhancements to the doors for security purposes.

In addition, the budget has planned seven floater teacher positions, three to be used for continued special education compliance, and four to be used to reduce class sizes. This has been an area of contention as residents and board members have questioned whether there could be additional money in the budget if some of those positions were eliminated.

The rest of the additional funds are being used for the continued high school refurbishing, technology for EE4NJ compliance, a new PA system at Bradley Gardens Primary, paving at Bradley Gardens, a new phone system at Adamsville Primary and a new bowling team at the high school.

The public hearing will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Harmon V. Wade Administration Building on Newmans Lane.

What are your thoughts on the proposed budget? Will you be at the public hearing?