Moorestown School Budget Featuring 2.93 Percent Increase Meets Initial Approval; Student Honored

It is hard to believe that MTPS is already on Spring Break!

Nevertheless, a lot was accomplished during March, including approval of the initial submission of the 2016-17 budget, continued progress on referendum projects, and numerous school events.

At the March 15 Board of Education meeting, the 2016-2017 budget was approved for initial submission to the Executive County Superintendent by a 6-1 vote, with two members absent.

The current budget utilizes the full 2% tax levy authority and expands the tax levy by using Spending Growth Limitation Adjustment (SGLA) funds and banked cap.

This would equate to a $208.62 increase on the average assessed home, or 2.93%.

An emphasis in the budget was incorporating revenue generation projects, and implementing components of the strategic plan. I encourage you to view the full budget at www.mtps.com, and to read the Board’s Budget Message here. This budget will not become final until after the public hearing and final budget vote in May.

The Board adopted four policies on second reading (three being mandatory).

One policy in particular that is very exciting creates “Student Representatives to the Board of Education.” The selected students will provide updates to the Board of Education on student issues, along with giving a report to the High School Student Association and Class Officers on Board of Education information. This is a great way to give the students a voice, and will be a resource to the Board.

Registration is now open for the MTPS Summer Enrichment Camp, and closes on June 1, 2016 (but the discounted price ends April 1, 2016). There are five sessions being offered, and a host of classes are being offered, including robotics, theater, and the basics of Wall Street. The full registration brochure can be found here.

There are two exciting events coming up in April to take note of.

First, the Moorestown Special Education Advocacy Council (SpEAC) is holding their annual Pathways to Success Conference on April 9, 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. at the Upper Elementary School.

For additional information and to register, click here.

Also, the second annual Stem – Lego Competition will take place on April 6, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Upper Elementary School. This event is for students in grades K-6, and provides an opportunity to use their creative and engineering skills by competing in a “Lego Build.”

For additional information and to register, click here.

I would like to take a moment to recognize Erika Heffernen, an eighth grade student at William Allen Middle School. Erika represented Moorestown at the Burlington County School Boards Association’s Eighth Grade Dialogue, which brings together student representatives from a majority of the middle schools in Burlington County to discuss the students’ thoughts on education, their future plans, and experiences as a student, among other topics.

Please note that the April monthly Board of Education meeting has been moved to May 2, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the William Allen Middle School Media Center.

This meeting will combine the April meeting with the budget hearing and final vote.

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.

The attached image was provided by Brandon Pugh: (L-R): Brandon Pugh - President, BCSBA & Vice President, Moorestown BOE; Erika Heffernen - Eight Grade Student, William Allen Middle School; Matthew Keith, Principal, William Allen Middle School.