New School Budget Committee Holds First Meeting In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The newly formed budget committee in South Brunswick School district met for the first time recently for a two-hour long meeting.

The committee was formed to help the school district navigate budget cuts.

The committee includes 42 residents from different walks of life.

“People who have nothing to do with the schools - seniors, parents, administrators, teachers, other staff members,” are part of the committee, Superintendent Scott Feder said during Thursday’s Council meeting.

A video of the meeting will be posted soon for public viewing.

“We have a challenging budget coming up this year and we're looking forward to the support of the community as well as these people from the township,” Feder said.

For the 2022-23 school year, the district saw its funding cut by more than $1.7 million. More: South Brunswick Schools Facing $1.7M State Aid Cut For '22-23

Patch asked each Board of Education candidate how they would tackle budgeting issues in the district.

Candidate Laura Hernandez said it was important to have shared discussions and brainstorming sessions to work out how to best allocate the monies the district currently has.

“And, of course, gaining knowledge from our Business Administrator would help ensure that the most appropriate, effective and logical decision(s) would be made to best serve our students,” Hernandez said.

Incumbent Ray Kuehner said it was important for Board members to continue “working with the district administration and staff to find any additional cost-effective ways to operate our buildings and district.”

James Lavan suggested cutting down on administrative costs so there are no cuts to student services. “Our administrators, who are not in the classroom with children, are paid far, far more than the teachers and paraprofessionals that directly impact our children each day,” Lavan said.

Alisha Khan lauded the district’s efforts in forming the budget committee saying it was “the most efficient way for everyone to properly look at the budget and see how money can be allocated in the most efficient way possible.”

Joyce Mehta and Julie Ferrara have not yet responded to Patch’s questionnaire.

Additionally, the school district is also facing cuts that would impact student mental health services, including the BRIDGE program. More: Schools Could Lose Mental Health Center Funding In South Brunswick

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com