Midland Park April 8, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Board reduces school budget after public hearing The Midland Park Board of Education last week reduced the tentative school budget it will present to the voters on April 21. Trustees trimmed $141,987 from the 2009-10 spending plan originally introduced last month, before adopting the budget after a public hearing. The total approved budget of $19,581,346 is up 3.16 percent over the current year. Capital projects were cut out entirely. The board had hoped to replace part of the seating in Memorial Hall at Midland Park High School at a cost of $30,000. Maintenance expenses and supplies were reduced by $47,000 from the original plan, Trustee Bill Sullivan, said, however, that additional funds had been budgeted for maintenance over previous years in an effort to keep up buildings in a better condition. The proposed budget anticipates a 20 percent reduction in administration costs. This was achieved by combing the positions of athletic director and director of continuing education (a decision implemented during the current school year) and by scaling back the position of director of curriculum and instruction for the upcoming year. Staffing savings were effectuated by reducing the music and art position at the elementary school by .2. Breakage on a long-time teacher’s retirement and a leave of absence account for an additional $80,000, according to trustee Robert Schiffer, who chairs the finance committee. “Over 80 percent of our costs our contractual and revenues from the State continue to shrink. The board is sensitive to what has happened to our economy and the impact it has had on people’s lives. However, the board is in between a rock and hard place in that our first priority is the educational process,” commented board President Rich Venditti in explaining the cuts. “We acknowledge that we have a fiduciary responsibility to the public regarding the finances of the district, but it is a tough balancing act to balance them both. We do not have the luxury of being able to increase our revenue like a business, and we are at the mercy of the State and federal government. Other sources of revenue are hard to come by, and unfortunately, we are expenditure driven,” Venditti added. “We live in a wonderful community and a have great school system, evident by the success of our graduates.” The revised tentative operating budget (continued on page 11) ‘Spring is in the Air’ fashion show Fashions and accessories by Dress Barn in Preakness will be modeled by members of the Midland Park Branch of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary during the club’s annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show. The chapter’s major fundraiser is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 at 11:30 a.m. in the Grand Conservatory of the Brownstone in Paterson. Models include Alida Kleinmanns, Judy Di Leo, Maria DeGiovine, Grace Ferentinos, Michele Gesualdo, Gilda Gilmartin, Pat Jerffer, Olga Lowe and Marge Paulson. Jewel Snyder will serve as master of ceremonies. Anyone wishing tickets for this event, which traditionally sells out, may contact Meme Terpstra at (201) 447-1259. Tickets are $30. Early reservations are recommended. The club’s next general meeting will be on Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m. at Faith Reformed Church, Prospect Street. A flower (fresh and silk) arrangement demonstration by Fran Lauretta of Creations by Fran-Flowers & More will be featured. Anyone wishing to learn more about the Branch and its activities is welcome to attend or to call co-chairs Gilda Gilmartin or JoAnn Levine at (201)652-0873. 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