Proposed Budget, District Calendar Highlight February 2017 In The Moorestown School District

In February, the Moorestown Board of Education approved the 2017-18 calendar and made progress on the budget, among other items. The board began its Feb. 28 meeting with a series of update presentations.

First, was the District’s HIB mid-year report for July 1–Dec. 31, 2016. This report tracks instances of “Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.” The report indicated that Moorestown continues to make gradual improvements in each area assessed by the numeric scale, including by providing programming to students to help reduce instances of bullying and providing ways to strengthen school climate.

Second, the board provided an update on the district’s goals. These goals address innovation, targeted instruction, and social and emotional learning. Specific action steps and measurement tools were provided for each goal, and tangible outcomes achieved so far were shared.

Next came an update on the budget. The board held a budget retreat on Feb. 23 to provide a comprehensive analysis of the budget, and a quick summary was also given at the monthly meeting.

The budget presented follows an assumption that the 2% tax increase allowed by law will be used. Without a tax increase, there would be about a $1.2 million-dollar deficit. With an increase, there would be about a $60,000 gap.

This number is far less than original projections because the administration has reduced non-essential requests. I remain hopeful that various ideas presented will be incorporated prior to initial submission for further savings.

Following the Governor’s Budget Address, we learned that our state aid will remain flat for this school year. However, Gov. Chris Christie is requiring proposed changes to the school funding formula be provided to him in the near future. Under the governor’s initial plan, Moorestown’s taxpayers would save substantially.

The board will vote on the proposed budget during a special meeting on March 15, 6 p.m. If approved, the budget will then be submitted to the Executive County Superintendent for review. Afterwards, the board will hold a public hearing and final vote on the budget before the May due date.

In addition, the board approved the 2017-18 Calendar, which will be available on www.mtps.com. The calendar was constructed with feedback from parents, administrators, staff, the superintendent, and board members. Several changes have been made from calendars in past years so I recommend reviewing it.

Don’t forget that registration for the Academy of Excellence is currently open and ends March 13. Programs range from robotics to dance. Information by school can be found here.

There is still time to see the Moorestown High School’s Spring Musical, “Curtains.” Remaining performances include Friday, March 10, and Saturday, March 11. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased here.

The next regular monthly Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 7 p.m. in the William Allen Middle School Media Center. In the meantime, do not hesitate to reach out to the Board or myself if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

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.