Tax Increase Introduced In Westfield School Budget For 2023-2024

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield Board of Education approved the introduction of its proposed school budget for 2023-24 last week which includes a tax increase for town residents.

For the first time in 13 years, the public will have the opportunity to vote on April 25 on the proposed budget of $123,694,252 for the 2023-24 school year.

Residents will be voting on two questions about the budget. The first question will ask voters to approve the base school district operating budget at a 3.95 percent tax levy cap and the second question will ask voters to approve adding additional staff for a .89 percent increase.

If both are approved the 2023-2024 school district operating budget would be increased by 4.84 percent or $444 annually ($37 per month) for the average Westfield homeowner of $806,800.

"In 2023-24 what we are presenting is a budget that will be able to take into account the tax levy, the eligible adjustments as well as any state aid that we receive in order for us to maintain our current programing, current staffing, and moving forward even start to build on those programs as well," said Superintendent Raymond González at the March 28 Board of Education meeting.

• Related: Westfield School Budget For 2023-2024 Will Include Tax Increase

According to the presentation, the district is prioritizing the following in the 2023-2024 budget:

• Avoid impact on students
• Maintain existing programs and offerings
• Remain within class-size/course enrollment guidelines
• Begin to expand programs and offerings

The proposed budget includes maintaining current staff, programming and services.

"Our expenses have outpaced our revenue and our expenses have outpaced our 2 percent tax levy cap that is based on our school operating budget," said González.

The second question is looking to add teaching staff to the district's English as a Second Language (ESL) program and Academic Support and School Counseling Programs.

"Since 2019, the number of English Language Learners (ELL) in the Westfield Public Shools has doubled," said González.

"I don't think we are asking for too much and I hope the voters will support it," said Board President Brendan Galligan.

You can view the full Board of Education meeting on YouTube. For more information on the budget click here.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.