Berkeley Heights Board of Education Finance Committee Begins Budget Discussions

The Berkeley Heights Board of Education Finance Committee began the 2010-2011 budget process by hearing proposals from the principals of the four elementary schools in the district.  Although all proposals included cuts, the defeat of last school years' budget was a looming concern of board members and additional cost-saving measures were examined.

Staffing levels and class sizes were heavily scrutinized by the committee. Reducing the number of sections per grade level per school was discussed, though not considered a favorable idea by the committee members and principals alike. In some cases, eliminating a section could result in classes of 27-28 students. The current enrollment and class size policy reflects an average class size of 22-24 students, depending on the grade level.

Superintendent Judy Rattner noted that most elementary school teachers are tenured, complicating the process of eliminating positions, should it be necessary.  Building layouts and physical space restrictions are also factors in any potential reduction of grade sections.

"We will be faced with choices we don't like and choices we really don't like. We're going to have to choose things we don't like," said board member Doug Reinstein, about evaluating one cost-saving measure against another.

"We are looking at all kinds of alternative revenue sources," said Rattner.  She introduced the idea of creating a fourth pre-school section of 12-15 pupils, which could generate tuition revenue. Tuition spots in the pre-school are currently awarded by lottery to those on the waiting list of approximately 30 potential students. Raising the tuition from $285 to $320 per month was also proposed.

Staffing and scheduling of special subject classes -- such as art, music, physical education and computers-- were also examined.

"If you eliminate any of them, there is a contractual issue with providing one prep period for classroom teachers," said board member John Sincaglia, responding to the discussion of reducing special subjects.

Eliminating courtesy bussing or creating a fee-based, subscription bussing program are also being proposed to reduce costs and generate revenue.  Staggered start times for the school day was suggested as a solution to the problem of added traffic if courtesy bussing is eliminated without replacement.

Addressing an empty line item, Rattner explained that the budget proposals do not include any money for additional library books because $16,000 in grant money will be used for library and classroom books.

Preliminary budget meetings will continue with the high school, middle school and athletics program budget proposals in the music room of Columbia School on Thursday January 6, at 7:00 p.m.