Nutley board finalizes tax-levy numbers, advances budget that trims programs and restructures paraprofessionals

The Nutley Public School District on Monday advanced final tax-levy figures and a package of routine resolutions after a budget hearing in which administrators outlined reductions needed to close a roughly $5.7 million shortfall.

Board President opened the meeting by saying the board "do[es] not support cuts to student programs, including sports and extracurricular activities," and urged the administration to seek alternatives, but the budget presentation from Business Administrator Mike DeVita laid out why cuts are proposed. "The total annual budget has increased by a little over $2,800,000 or 3.12%," DeVita told the board, while forecasting a $1.6 million rise in operating revenue driven largely by the local tax levy and several one-time grant increases.

Why it matters: District leaders said they face rising fixed costs — particularly health insurance and special-education expenditures — while state aid declined. Administrators said a prior corrective action plan and other efficiency measures are in place but insufficient to close the gap without program reductions or additional local revenue.

What the budget presentation said - State aid: DeVita said the district received a 3% reduction in state aid for the upcoming year, about $374,641. - Revenue mix: The operating fund centers on local property taxes (about 81% of operating revenue), state aid (roughly 14.6%), extraordinary aid (about 3%), and other minor sources. The district’s total operating budget was presented at roughly $82 million (including special revenues and debt service). - Special education:…