Clinton Township Newsletter

1 2 A p r i l 2 0 1 4 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com C L I N T O N T O W N S H I P S C H O O L N E W S www.ctsd.k12.nj.us Dear Residents of Clinton Township: The Clinton Township Board of Education, along with the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Drucilla W. Clark, and the School Business Administrator, Mrs. Heather A. Spitzer, have been working on developing the school budget for the 2014-2015 academic year with the anticipation of ap- proval for submission to the State on Monday, March 17, 2014. Below is a very brief overview of how the school budget is developed. Listed below are scheduled meeting dates at which time additional budget information will be presented and discussed. Zero Based Budgeting Approach: Our school budget is de- veloped by utilizing a zero based budgeting process that is strictly focused on the needs of the students in the district. Each year we wipe the slate clean from the prior year's budget, then through Com- mittees, identify and prioritize the needs of our students, buildings, and staff for the upcoming school year. Once all expenditures are identified for the next school year we then estimate funding sources to support those needs. The difference between the needed expendi- tures and projected funding is how the tax levy is calculated. On March 3, Dr. Clark and Mrs. Spitzer gave a presentation outlining in greater detail our budgeting process and those items and circum- stances that are taken into consideration during the development of the budget. You can review this presentation by utilizing the link provided below: http://www.ctsd.k12.nj.us/budget-presentation-from- february-24-2014-board-of-education-meeting/ Budget Meeting Dates: The Board of Education has scheduled a Budget Workshop meeting on March 10 and another on March 17 to review and vote on the preliminary budget. The public hearing on the budget will be held on April 28, 2014. I invite you to attend these meetings beginning at 7:30 pm, in the auditorium of the Clinton Township Middle School. On behalf of the Clinton Township of Board of Education, we are looking forward to seeing you at these future budget meetings. Should you have any questions regarding the budgeting process or on the proposed budget for 2014- 2015, please do not hesitate to contact me at: mgrant@ctsd.k12.nj.us or Dr. Clark at: dclark@dclark@ctsd.k12.nj.us Kind regards, Maria Grant President, Clinton Township Board of Education a l e T T e r F r o m Maria Grant, President, Clinton Township Board of Education "Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom."–George Washington Carver Miion Statement: C T s d b o a r d o F e d u C a T i o n : b o a r d m e e T i n g d a T e s F o r T h e 2 0 1 4 C a l e n d a r y e a r : April 28, 2014, May 19, 2014*, June 23, 2014, July 28, 2014, August 25, 2014, September 22, 2014, October 27, 2014, November 17, 2014*, December 15, 2014*, January 5, 2015* – Reorganization Meetings will be held on the fourth Monday of the month, except where noted *. Unforeseen circumstances may force the rescheduling of these meetings. In such cases, notice will be given as provided in the Open Public Meetings Act. Meetings are held at Clinton Township Middle School (34 Grayrock Rd.) in the Auditorium or Library at 7:30 pm. Find out what's going on in our schools, meet the Board and the Superintendent! All residents of CT are encouraged to attend, not just the parents of CTSD children. For BOE meeting minutes, visit: www.ctsd.k12.nj.us What's upcoming: In March, the CTFEE voted to fund a NEW GRANT for Patrick McGaheran School. This innovative program will help grades 2 and 3 meet (and exceed) new State Core Curriculum requirements and more im- portantly, create an exciting opportunity to experience literature (fairytales) come to life. This 2014-2015 school-wide theme will include teaching tools, performances and many memorable moments for staff and students alike. Grants in Action: The CTFEE has funded robotics programs at both Spruce Run and Patrick McGaheran Schools. Both programs have been well received, participation is active, and these grants are helping to foster inter- est in robotics, engineering… and fun! Ask your children to tell you more. We'd like to thank our investors! Your generous donations help make these grants possible. To give, get involved, or just learn more- please visit us at clintontownshipfoundation.org. Ask your employer if they match chari- table donations. We are a 501(c) and your donations are tax-deductible. Want to help? There are two ways to make a donation. 1. Mail a check payable to: The Clinton Township Foundation for Educational Excellence, P.O. Box 183, Annandale, NJ 08801 2. Donate online by clicking on the "Network for Good" link. Questions? Please email: ctfoundation@ctsd.k12.nj.us. T h e C l i n T o n T o W n s h i p F o u n d a T i o n F o r e d u C a T i o n a l e x C e l l e n C e

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