NEWS

Vineland school board approves 2016-17 budget

Deborah M. Marko
@dmarko_dj

VINELAND - After months of whittling away the bottom line, the school board approved the final version of a $194.7 million district budget during a special meeting Wednesday evening.

When the 2016-17 budget was unveiled, it was hotly contested by the Vineland Education Association and several board members.

How it all started: Vineland school budget calls for tax hike, job cuts

After some revisions and a reduction of the proposed tax increase, opposition eased into common ground.

Initially calling for a 4-percent tax hike, a board majority chipped the hike down to 2 percent.

No audience members opted to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting.

The board authorized the motions needed to push the plan forward.

Board member Chris Jennings lamented the cuts but approved the draft in the spirit of compromise. The plan cuts 57 positions through attrition and consolidation. It also adds 14 new positions, mostly in the area of special education.

The board approved the $22 .6 million tax levy, nudging the tax rate up 1.5 cents to 58 cents per $100 of assessed property value.

When it came time for public input: Poor turnout at Vineland school budget hearing

This means the owner of a home assessed at $159,276 - the city's average - would pay $24.19 more a year in school taxes.

Eight board members cast supporting votes, including board president Scott English, who attended the meeting via Skype.  Inez Acosta was unwell and did not attend.

In other business

VEA president Lou Russo urged the board to increase the substitute teacher pay to make Vineland more competitive with surrounding school districts.

A “chronic shortage” results in staff being pulled away from providing student services to cover empty classrooms, Russo said.

Next week, the district is set to approve the teacher substitute rate, which have remained the same for about four years.

Teachers with a N.J. teaching certificate receive $90 per day and that rate increased to $115 after 15 consecutive days in the same position. Those who have substitute certificates get $80 per day and $105 after 15 consecutive days in the same position.

The board is considering some substitute increases, proposing a $1 an hour increase for substitute bus drivers, instructional aides and security guards.

Deborah M. Marko: (856) 563-5256: dmarko@gannettnj.com