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Residents press council on Saddle River school finances; council asks board for formal written requests
Summary
Public commenters and council members raised concerns about the Saddle River School District's fiscal pressures, citing a published presentation that showed roughly a $2 million gap driven by enrollment and tuition increases. The council asked the board to provide written requests so the borough can assess whether and how to assist.
Residents and council members used the July 20 meeting to press the council for clarity on the Saddle River School District's finances and for a formal mechanism to request municipal assistance.
Multiple speakers, including residents who attend board meetings and Councilman Jeffrey Leiva (the council's school liaison), said school leaders had signaled fiscal strain in public sessions. Leiva and others noted a final budget presentation on April 29 that showed enrollment growth and several cost drivers; Leiva summarized those line items in the meeting record, saying the presentation documented an estimated budget gap that was roughly $2 million and cited line items including increased regular-education tuition, special-education costs, higher health-benefit expenses and transportation.
Resident Jean Holden, speaking during public comment, said she attends board-of-education meetings regularly and that the board president and business administrator had described fiscal issues in public sessions. "They mentioned... the board is seeking a question on the ballot in November for a 6.1% tax levy," she said, adding that video of those board meetings is available for verification.
Mayor Kurpis and other council members said the borough has been willing to help but needs formal written documentation from the board of education outlining specific needs so the governing body can justify municipal assistance to taxpayers. "Write us an email," Mayor Kurpis said, asking for an official, written request that would allow staff and the council to evaluate options and, if warranted, act.
Councilman Leiva agreed to prepare a short report and to communicate with the board in writing; council members asked staff to return with a formal channel for requests and a precise list of needs at the next meeting.
What happens next: Council asked the school board to submit formal written requests describing the problem and the assistance requested. The borough said it would review any such requests at a future meeting and work with the board on narrow, documented responses.
