Normandy Park School HSA

Normandy Park HSA

Normandy Park Home and School Association Supports the 2010-2011 Morris School District Budget.
Please remember to Vote on April 20."

Morris School District

Proposed Budget 2010-2011

Items of Interest

The proposed 2010-2011 Morris School District budget:

·         Is $7.6 million (7.2%) lower than the 2009-2010 budget.

·         Reduces per-pupil cost by $671 (4%)

·         Maintains class sizes at levels optimal for learning.

·         Retains kindergarten aides for all academic subject areas.

·         Supports comprehensive educational programs for 4,900 students, pre-K through high school.

·         Invests in proper maintenance of all district facilities.

·         Supports current extracurricular programs in academics, athletics, and fine and performing arts.

·         Continues to provide safety busing for public and parochial school children at current levels.

What is the general fund tax levy on the proposed budget and how does it compare with the 2009-2010 budget?

The proposed budget reflects a tax levy (that portion of the budget supported by local taxes) of $79,468,289. This represents a 4% increase when compared with the 2009-2010 budget.  

Why is there a tax increase when costs are $7.6 million lower than last year’s budget?

The state of New Jersey reduced state aid to our District by $5 million. Additionally, the state required that $3 million of the district’s surplus be directed to offset the state budget deficit. Historically, the District has, as required by law, used surplus funds to provide direct, local tax relief. In order to offset the combined $8 million loss of aid and surplus, it has been necessary to make significant cuts in expenditures and raise property taxes.

What are some of the ways in which the proposed budget cuts costs?

Major budget categories that reflect significant reductions in cost include:

o    Salaries - $1.5 million overall reduction.

o    Capital expenditures - $1 million reduction.

o    Equipment costs - $400,000 reduction.

o    Buildings and grounds expenses - $300,000 reduction.

o    Technology - $200,000 reduction.

o    Curriculum & Professional Development - $200,000.

What is the total proposed budget and how does it compare with the 2009-2010 budget?

The 2009-2010 total budget is $105,944,524; the proposed 2010-2011 budget is $98,268,072. This represents a decrease of $7,676,452 (7.2%).  The total budget includes the cost of all programs and services provided by the District and reflects all sources of revenue that will be used to provide those programs and services, i.e., local taxes, state and federal aid, incoming tuition, grants, etc.

How does the proposed budget affect property taxes?

If approved, the proposed budget will result in a school tax increase of $15 per year ($1.25/month) on the average ($390,000) home in Morris Township and an increase of $233 per year ($19.42/month) on the average ($354,000) home in Morristown.

Why is there a larger increase in taxes in Morristown than in Morris Township?

Municipal taxes of Morristown and Morris Township vary from year to year because tax rates are a function of the total taxable property, i.e., “ratables,” within each community. Morristown has experienced a $47 million decrease in its ratable property. As a result, the remaining property must be taxed at a higher rate to absorb the loss. The tax rates of each community are outside the control of the school district. 

What happens if the budget is defeated?

If the budget is defeated, the Morristown Town Council and the Morris Township Committee are required to review the budget and recommend an amount by which the budget must be reduced.  

Please remember to vote on Tuesday, April 20

Polls are open from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Budget presentations will be held on the following dates and times.

SCHOOL BOARD/BUDGET ELECTION

On Tuesday, April 20 Morristown and Morris Township residents will have the opportunity to vote in the Morris School District annual school board and budget election. Voter turnout for school board elections is generally very low. Therefore, it is especially important to get to the polls to cast your vote.

VOTE

Tuesday, April 20

Polls will be open from 2:00PM – 9:00 PM

Where do you vote in school elections?

If you are unsure where to vote, call 973-285-6180

If you think you may be unable to get to the polls on April 20, you may vote by mail. Vote by Mail ballot information is available online at www.morriselections.org and by phone at 973-285-6715.