Administrators Cut In Proposed Madison School Budget

MADISON, NJ - If passed as is, the current budget for the Madison School District for 2019-2020 will reduce the number of administrators employed by the district and it will cost that average taxpayer around $200 more annually.

In a presentation given Tuesday, Superintendent Mark Schwarz went through the budget, which he noted has been designed to maximize program and services for students.

Tax Impact – The 2019-20 budget requires a 2.7 percent increase

• Average home value of $684,758
• Average annual increase of $204.67

Part of the budget is finding efficiencies, which include eliminating seven administrator position while adding four, making it a net three loss. This was referred to as an integrated and aligned model:

• To enact our desired results we must align our resources
• Empowered principals are key to student achievement
• Principals and teacher leaders across schools should collaborate and coordinate efforts
• District administration should support principals who in turn support faculty
• All three levels support students and parents

The introduction motion passed 7-1 with Thomas Piskula as the lone no vote. Board President Leslie Lajewski, Vice President Heather Reddy and members Abi Singh, Sarah Fischer, Johanna Habib David Irwin and Pam Yousey all voted yes.

The jobs removed in the proposal were three curriculum supervisors, the assistant business administrator, a special education supervisor and a guidance director and athletic director at Madison High School.

The proposal advocates hiring three vice principals for the high school and a director of special services. The three vice principals would join the high school staff and would be in charge of discipline, building operations, department leadership and programs.

Beyond the full-day kindergarten planned for the coming year, the proposed budget includes six new courses at Madison High School, a K-5 literacy program and a new K-2 math program.

According to the presentation, the 2019-20 total expenditures are $50,962,042. The less: anticipated revenues are $6,958,793 and local tax levy will be $44,003,249.

Next up, the budget will be presented at 7:30 p.m. April 25 in the Madison High School library at 170 Ridgedale Ave. The public hearing and vote on adoption is set for April 30 at 7:30 p.m.

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