Clinton Township Newsletter

1 2 A p r i l 2 0 1 5 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com 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 t Tohip Scho DictMi Statemt: The Clinton Township School District, in partnership with the community, achieves excellence for each child by ensuring a meaningful and challenging educational experience in a supportive environment, developing life-long learners who are responsible and productive citizens. A L e t t e r f r o m Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent of Schools Dear Parents and Community Members: As of this writing, the Clinton Township Board of Education has had their first of two scheduled public presentations of the 2015-2016 School Budget. At the meeting on March 16 the preliminary budget was discussed, voted on and submitted to the County and State. Changes can still be made before the second and final public hearing and vote, which will take place on April 27, 2015. A presentation was made by the Superintendent and Business Administrator on the budget process, needs and goals, information on unfunded mandates and their costs, a review of cost savings and revenues, a year over year comparison of costs, enrollment trends and impact, whether or not to close a school, budget highlights, a summary of state aid, the tax impact and what it means to the taxpayer, costs per pupil as well as a comparison to other similar districts. In fact, you can access this presentation and audio on our district website after the presentation date if you would like to review the information presented. One of the biggest challenges in the budget preparation this year is the increasing cost of medical benefits. We will be seeing an increase of between 12 and 15% in health care costs. Over the last few years teachers and staff have been required to contribute to these costs in increasing percentages; however this increase, along with budgeting for salaries, brings us close to the 2% budget CAP of the tax levy, which is approximately $450,000. The Board does not want to go to that tax levy CAP, so we are working hard to review every line item for reductions to decrease the impact, while at the same time still meet all state requirements and unfunded mandates. We are also facing declining enrollment, reductions in staff and an unsettled teacher's contract of over two years, making planning even more of a challenge. The teachers voted down an increase of 2.65, 2.35 and 2 percent over three years. So, we are now at the Fact Finding stage of negotiations and it will be a while longer before the process comes to a conclusion. Everyone is hoping for an amicable resolution as soon as possible. The district is moving to a full day Kindergarten program in September 2015 and this is in the submitted budget at this time. Declining enrollment is helping to repurpose teachers for this program; however there will still be a reduction in staff helping to balance some of the other increases. Over the last four years we have had a declining enrollment of approximately 159 students and it is having an impact. We are still working on maintaining the community investment in facilities by doing some site improvements across the district, as well as maintaining security in the buildings themselves. School Choice has also shown decreasing numbers with a match in declining revenue. There have also been some decreases to transportation costs and reviewed savings in utilities costs. We do have an active Ad Hoc School Closing Committee that is considering a number of options for the future. Nothing has been finalized yet and the community will become more involved in the decision- making as we move through this additional challenge. Curriculum changes with new science standards are part of upcoming professional development and the Board is working on a more streamlined website for easier access and information, as well as providing more interactive home and school programs for advancing student success. We are also working on schedules to increase instructional time in core subject areas and looking to further differentiate learning to meet the needs of all students. Since it is early March at this writing, the budget is still being worked on and I do not have the final numbers yet, but please check our website for the tax impact in the preliminary budget. As always, we are continuing to develop and deliver an annual needs based budget that addresses the academic, financial and facilities requirements of the district while remaining fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. Thank you for taking the time to read these planning considerations utilized in the upcoming 2015- 2016 School Budget information. Please send me any additional questions you may have to: dclark@ctsd.K12.nj.us. Sincerely, Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent of Schools "Endg setbac e matag the abity to sh oth the way to go f•w•d • a •ue t•t -adhip." – Nit€ No‚ia Please consider participating in the Clinton Township School District Website Survey, as we would like to know how to better serve the community. www.surveymonkey.com/s/KQTGNQ2 Thank you. Click on this link on the online version of CTNL at: www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com

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