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Board rejects $175,000 amendment aimed at eliminating a Governor Livingston administrative position
Summary
A motion to cut $175,000 from the final budget — proposed by a board member as a way to remove an administrative position at Governor Livingston High School — failed after debate about process, evidence of administrative overhead and whether personnel restructuring can be approved by a dollar‑figure amendment.
A budget‑amendment motion proposing a $175,000 reduction — framed by the mover as removing an administrative position at Governor Livingston High School — failed on a roll‑call vote after extended discussion.
Why it mattered: The amendment’s sponsor argued the district is administratively top‑heavy and that eliminating the listed position would yield targeted savings without harming students. Opponents said the motion changed only the dollar total and did not specify implementation detail; they also argued that the district requires certain administrative staffing to support programs, grading oversight and upcoming curriculum adoptions. The personnel committee and administration had previously discussed options and were divided: the superintendent recommended keeping two assistant principals at GL, while a majority of the personnel committee had supported keeping one.
Board debate: Speakers pressed on procedural questions (whether a dollar‑amount amendment can dictate the removal of a specific position without a public personnel discussion) and on evidence — including DOE reporting on administrative costs per pupil — that would support a change. Multiple board members said the timing, during final budget adoption, was not appropriate to restructure administration. Several public commenters and students noted that cutting administrative support could affect classroom support and programming.
Outcome: On roll call the amendment failed. The larger budget package that included other resolutions passed as presented.
Next steps: Personnel committee will continue discussions; administration said it will temporarily reassign duties (principal/deputy roles) and propose organizational solutions for teacher support as the district implements curriculum adoptions.
