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Delaware Valley board approves tentative budget after state aid cap cuts expected funding
Summary
The Delaware Valley Regional High School District board approved a tentative budget to send to the state after members said a 6% state aid cap reduced anticipated aid from roughly $172,000 to about $83,000; the plan includes a $100,000 alternative education program and modest levy adjustments.
The Delaware Valley Regional High School District Board of Education voted to approve a tentative budget package to be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education, despite a reduction in expected state aid that officials said will tighten the district’s finances.
The finance committee representative told the board that state aid received March 12 was subject to a 6% cap, cutting the district’s anticipated aid from about $172,000 to roughly $83,000. Committee members identified health-care cost increases, rising out-of-district special-education placements, contractual salary increases and higher utilities as the principal cost drivers putting pressure on the budget.
The tentative budget approved by motion (items 11.1–11.13) includes a $100,000 line for an alternative educational program intended to provide an in-district option for students who otherwise might require out-of-district placements. Committee briefing materials presented to the board project a 2% tax-levy increase with a health-care adjustment that would raise available levy capacity to about 2.85%; use of banked cap could raise the available levy to about 5.49%.
Board member Mr. Brody moved the bundle of motions related to the tentative budget; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The roll call recorded 'yes' votes from the board members present, finalizing the board’s action to file the tentative budget with state authorities.
Board materials and the committee discussion made clear the district plans to pursue modest reductions and staffing adjustments by attrition to help balance the budget while seeking revenue from donor gifts and fee adjustments for ancillary services such as facility use. The finance committee representative said the district will distribute examples showing tax-levy impacts for households in various sending municipalities.
The board’s approval sends the tentative budget to the New Jersey Department of Education and the county executive superintendent per state timelines; the board will hold the public hearing and consideration of the final budget at its April meeting, when voters’ notice and final adjustments will be discussed.
