Upper Saddle River May 20, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 The Upper Saddle River Council has approved a resolution recommending that $300,000 be cut from the school district’s school budget. Upper Saddle River voters narrowly defeated the school board’s proposed $18,970,605 tax levy on April 21, leaving the council with the task of identifying areas that might be trimmed. Last week, the council suggested the following cuts: $150,000 from the district’s surplus account, $50,000 in staffing costs, $68,000 for a new phone system, and an additional $32,000 from areas to be determined. A borough official noted that the recommended cuts represent a compromise between the council and the board, with the council asking that the extra $32,000 be trimmed. At press time, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monica Browne said the district was reviewing what proportion Council recommends $300K school budget cut of the recommended cuts were static costs. She said the district appreciated the thought the council had put into the process, but said there are some concerns regarding the district’s future ability to meet salary increases if that area is pared down this year. State cap requirements limit each school district’s ability to increase spending, and salaries and benefits remain major expenses in each district. According to New Jersey law, the Upper Saddle River Council was required to review the defeated budget with board of education trustees to consider possible cuts for the spending plan. The school board is otherwise autonomous. Once a school budget is defeated at the polls, governing bodies can recommend specific reductions in the budgets, but the school district is not bound to follow those recommendations precisely if the district meets the reduced tax levy set by the council. If the school board disagrees with the council’s recommendations, the trustees may appeal to the state’s commissioner of education, Lucille E. Davy, to have the recommended reductions restored. At that point, the commissioner can approve the district’s original budget, approve the council’s recommended reductions, or make different revisions to the budget. The school districts are permitted to appeal the commissioner’s decision to the state board of education and the Appellate Division of Superior Court. Dr. Browne indicated that the district is not planning an appeal. ������� ������ ���������� ����������� Since 1982 I R R I G AT I O N AND OUTDOOR LIGHTING ���� ���� �� � ��� �������� 246 N. Franklin Tpke #2 ������������������������������������������� DESIGN • INSTALLATION • REPAIR Start-Ups as low as $4995 LIFETIME WARRANTEE ON ALL NEW INSTALLATIONS DIET CENTER® OF RAMSEY 201-447-LAWN (5296) NJ Home Improvement Contractor Lic. #13VH02695300 with DIET CENTER® Call Now & Kiss Those Pounds Goodbye! 20-30-40 POUNDS OR MORE 201-818-LOSE...the weight (5673) LOSE ��������������������� ���������������������������� 4-22-09 pat/janine LandscapeWorksIrrig2x3(4-22-09) 2 x 3” 1ST ANNUAL SPRING GALA PERFORMANCE Saturday May 30th, 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM At Berrie Center for the Arts, Ramapo College. ����������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������