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Little Egg Harbor school board fails to approve tentative tax-levy increase; teachers warn cuts would hit arts and special education
Summary
The Little Egg Harbor Township Board of Education failed to approve a motion to set a tentative tax levy at the district’s maximum (about $16.0 million, a 13.9% increase) to position the district for forthcoming state "tax levy incentive" aid. Teachers and parents urged the board to preserve arts, music and special-education services and asked for a detailed breakdown of staffing impacts before another vote.
The Little Egg Harbor Township Board of Education failed to adopt a tentative tax-levy adjustment on its agenda after several board members abstained or requested more information, leaving the district’s next steps and qualification for proposed state incentive aid uncertain.
During public comment before the vote, teachers and parents urged the board not to cut arts, music and special-education time. Karen Strang, a teacher with 22 years in the district, asked how many staff cuts the budget assumes and whether a shorter school day or split sessions — or elimination of art, music and STEAM — were being considered.
"Are we contemplating split sessions because the classes will be too large to accommodate, or are you considering eliminating specials?" Strang asked. "That would be detrimental to our students."
Several other teachers echoed that view. Amy Eastburn, an art teacher, said the district’s 40 minutes per week of arts and…
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