Budget Presentation, New Superintendent Highlight the Month in Moorestown Education

A lot has taken place with the Board of Education since the last Education Monthly Column in March, including the adoption of the 2016-2017 budget, the appointment of a new superintendent, the resignation of two board members, and incredible student achievement.

At the May 2 meeting (postponed from April 19), the Board held a public hearing and approved the 2016-2017 budget with a 6-1 vote.

This budget includes a 2.93% tax increase, or an additional $208.62 for the average assessed home of $446,500. This after taking into account debt service savings, which uses the 2% tax levy increase allowed by statute, usage of banked cap, and usage of Spending Growth Limitation Adjustment (SGLA) taxing authority.

It is important to note that the board will not have banked cap available for future budgets, that roughly 90% of the budget is local taxpayer funded, and larger deficits are forecasted in future years.

However, highlights of this year’s budget include implementing the Next Generation Science Standards for grades 6-12, completion of the 1:1 technology plan for grades 6-12, initial implementation of strategic goals, and a plan to generate alternate revenue.

Also on May 2, the board approved the appointment of Dr. Scott McCartney as Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2016.

Dr. McCartney is currently Superintendent of the Egg Harbor Township School District, and has held various teaching, principal, and superintendent positions.

Dr. McCartney brings with him a wealth of experience, including serving in Association of School Administrators leadership positions, leadership in sustainability efforts, and recognition as a Superintendent of the Year, among other highlights.

To learn more, I encourage you to read his biography and information on the full search at www.mtps.com.

Two individuals recently resigned from the Board, including Albert Panzarella on April 18 after about two and half years of service, and Harry Faunce on April 19 after about three and half months of service.

A notice was published soliciting individuals interested in serving as an Interim Board Member until the reorganization meeting in January 2017, and the board will interview and select these individuals. Please note that in November, three full term positions will be open, and one two year term will be open.

At the May 17 meeting, Dr. Sue Tosti, the District’s Interim Director of Curriculum and Instruction presented the annual State of the District for 2015-2016.

The presentation provided information on various accomplishments by students, curriculum offerings, and student performance on standardized tests, including PARCC results compared to state and similar district averages. To view the full presentation click here.

The board also adopted its 2016-2017 meeting schedule, which can be found here (exhibit 16-307, page 116). Please note that Board of Education meetings will begin at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m., starting in August.

Over 100 students from various grades were recognized by the Board at the May meeting for incredible achievement in world languages, music, arts, and leadership.

As part of one group of students recognized, Dr. Charles Camarda of NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton VA, video-conferenced in to congratulate the students and thank them for their presentation to NASA.

In addition, seven faculty members were recognized for their retirement and thanked for their years of service in a variety of capacities.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education will be on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the William Allen Middle School.

As always, do not hesitate to reach out in the meantime if you have any questions or need anything. I would be delighted to hear from you, and I hope to see you at future meetings.

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The views and content in this column do not necessarily represent those of the Moorestown Board of Education as a whole or any other individual member.

About this column: In this column, Moorestown Board of Education Member Brandon Pugh provides monthly updates on what's going on in the school district and on the BOE.