>BOARD APPROVES PRELIM BUDGET – The Board of Education at its March 12, 2007, meeting approved a preliminary budget for the 2007-2008 school year to be submitted to the Bergen County Superintendent. The public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 2007. The budget calls for $79,404,637 in expenditures, which represents a 3.5 percent increase in the tax levy. For the average Ridgewood home owner, whose home is assessed at $473,330, the budget represents an increase of $289. The Board also approved a Second Question to be placed on the ballot for voter approval along with the budget. The Second Question covers the replacement of outdated equipment at Ridgewood High School. The total is $669,087 for the new technology and would cost the average home owner an additional $80.29. Elements of the preliminary budget are subject to change. The final budget will not be available until the public hearing on March 27. The Annual School Election and Budget Vote is Tuesday, April, 17, 2007. Polls are open from 7 AM to 9 PM. Please vote!
PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY – The Board is considering a new public comment policy to replace the one that expired last month. The new policy reads, “In order to permit the fair and orderly expression of such comment, the Board shall provide for two periods of public comment at all regular meetings. At all meetings the public comment periods will be scheduled at approximately 7:30 PM and approximately 9 PM or just prior to the end of the meeting, whichever occurs first. The first opportunity for public comment may be limited by the presiding officer to conclude at about 8 PM in order for the Board to continue with its scheduled agenda. The second opportunity for public comment will occur at about 9 PM at the discretion of the presiding officer taking into consideration a break point in the agenda.” The second reading and final adoption of the policy will take place at the next Board meeting.
>”The Second Question covers the replacement of outdated equipment at Ridgewood High School. The total is $669,087 for the new technology and would cost the average home owner an additional $80.29.”
What outdated equipment? How about some specifics? And if this equipment is so darn important, why didn’t the BOE include it in their budget?
I’m tired of Question 2’s (previous Question 2’s – pool at RHS, turf at RHS, etc.) – just a way the BOE uses to exceed the cap and/or keep the % tax increase artificially low.
We’re on to your scheme guys & gals – enough already! Come to us with a budget that includes what is needed and forget the extras!
>Great public comment policy; thank you Mr. Bombace!
Poor Charlie Reilly didn’t get his way this time, thank goodness!
>Can you say escalating cost and declining results