Franklin Lakes March 31, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 State aid reduction leads to budget shortfall by Frank J. McMahon A $1,256,616 reduction in state aid from $1.3 million last year to $44,398 this year has resulted in a $1,061,464 shortfall in the Franklin Lakes Board of Education’s tentative budget for 2010-11. According to Michael Solokas, the school district’s business administrator, the sharp reduction in state aid forced the board to cut almost $700,000 in expenses and increase the tax revenue by an additional $400,000. He said it will force the district to reduce staff, cut programs and services to students, and increase revenue by asking voters to approve a waiver from the state-mandated four percent cap on the increase in the district’s budget. The district’s tentative budget has revenues of $27,799,159, but expenses of $28,860,623. The $27,799,159 includes $463,652 from the general fund, $22,718,708 from taxes, $1,801,800 from local sources such as tuition and transportation, and the $44,398 in state aid, plus $537,580 in grants and entitlements, and $2,233,021 from other local sources, such as the tax levy for debt service. The $28,860,623 consists of $25,979,596 for current expenses, which includes $15,357,497 in salaries for a 3.7 percent increase, $5,056,509 in benefits for a 9.2 percent increase, and $ 5,565,590 in other expenses for a 0.9 percent increase, and $110,426 for capital expenditures, $2,233,021 for repayment of debt, and $537,580 for other state and federal programs. Based on the current enrollment of 1,378 students, which is down from 1,495 students last year, the shortfall amounts to $770 per student. Solokas also projects a shortfall of $2,255,962 in 201112 if next year’s state aid is the same as this year’s and the revenue from taxes will increase to $23,286,676 under the expected tax levy cap of 2.5 percent next year. That shortfall could rise to $3,443,683 in 2012-13. In a letter to parents, Superintendent of Schools Roger Bayersdorfer stated that the district’s administration and board of education had less than one day to react to the news that the district’s state aid would be severely reduced. He said the school board reduced expenses by $687,215 in the budget proposal in order to meet the budget shortfall, and it will request $410,627 in revenue from a cap waiver, which will be put to public vote with the regular budget on April 20. “As most of our budget is comprised of salaries and health benefits, there will be staff reductions,” Bayersdorfer stated. He predicted those reductions would include seven to 10 staff members, although he emphasized that the district is still working on those reductions. Some of these cuts will be natural reductions due to enrollment decreases in the local schools, he advised, which will allow class sizes to remain within board policy. “As we work on this budget challenge, we are looking carefully at all programs with the important goal of minimizing the direct impact on student instruction,” Bayersdorfer said. “We hope you can appreciate the sensitive nature of cutting positions and, over the next week, we will be making final decisions, informing staff and then sharing that information with you. “This year, more than any other year, it is imperative that the public understand the budget and what it means for our future as a public school system.” The final budget presentation will be held at 8:15 p.m. on March 31 at the Franklin Avenue Middle School. The public will vote on the budget on April 20. Teen Kula for Karma Kula-thon set Teen Kula for Karma will be hosting a kula-thon on Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at the municipal field on DeKorte Drive in Franklin Lakes. The Kula-thon begins with a family yoga session at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 5K walk/run. At the end of the walk/run, participants will be welcomed with live music and refreshments. Local businesses and organizations will be on hand to share information about their involvement in the community. The mission of Teen Kula is to inspire youth to make a positive impact in the community by promoting the work of Kula for Karma. Through outreach and collaboration, these teens work to raise awareness for Kula for Karma yoga programs that serve children with autism and other developmental disabilities; children and teens with cancer; and at-risk youth. Families, teens and individuals of all ages are welcome to join in any or all of the activities. There is a registration fee of $25 per individual or $35 per family to participate. In addition, participants are encouraged to obtain pledge sponsors to contribute to this worthy cause. All proceeds will be distributed to a charity serving needy youth. To pre-register for this event go to www.kulaforkarma. org or e-mail jocelynm9@verizon.net. Registration will also be accepted on the day of the event. No Limit, Texas Hold’em Charity Tournament Friday, May 7, 2010, in Ramsey, NJ POKER Grandst Opening • First place prize – 2010 World Series of Poker Main Event paid entry, plus VISA gift card to help cover expenses. (Value $12,000.) • Final Table—ALL get paid seats in other 2010 WSOP No Limit Hold’em events in Las Vegas, with VISA gift cards to help cover expenses. • If 200 players register, places 11-20 will be awarded $500 VISA gift cards. • Buy-In is $250, ($300 after April 30th), which gets a player $5,000 in tournament chips; $150 re-buys available in the first 90 minutes of tournament play ($2,500 in chips). • Professional dealers and tournament director. Tournament starts at 8 p.m. • Gourmet Italian buffet dinner, wine, beer, and soft drinks included in buy-in cost. Dinner only guests invited at $50 per head. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. • Sponsored by The Greater Ramsey Chapter of UNICO National, an Italian-American service organization, with all profits going to support its charities. • Advanced Registration Required—Seats are limited. Act now! Contact Joe Verdone (201-825-8819 or jv826v@optonline.net) for complete list of prizes, tournament rules, and registration form. Major credit cards accepted. Wyckoff Cycle April 1 LLC Avenue •Sales 369 Franklin07481 Wyckoff, NJ •Service 201-891-5500 Across the street from Aldo’s Restaurant •Parts Ample street parking around the corner We Repair ALL Bicycle Brands Authorized Dealer for: Schwinn • GT • Mongoose • Raleigh