Mahwah March 31, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 District’s $2.7 M state aid loss leads to budget cuts by Frank J. McMahon The loss of $2,768,603 in state aid has forced the Mahwah Board of Education to consider reductions in staff and other school activities in order to meet the state-mandated four percent cap on the property tax levy increase. According to Business Administrator Edward Deptula, the reductions could involve the elimination of one teacher position at Lenape Meadows, one at Betsy Ross School, and two at Joyce Kilmer School, which Superintendent Charles Montesano said are primarily due to a drop in enrollment, plus one gifted and talented program teacher position and one teacher position at Ramapo Ridge School. In addition, it is expected that one school custodian position each at the Betsy Ross and George Washington schools will be privatized, and one administrator -- either a supervisor or an assistant principal position -- will be eliminated. Plans also call for physical education staffs to be shared at the Joyce Kilmer and Ramapo Ridge schools. A retiring secretary’s position will not be filled, and the school district’s supply account will be reduced by $100,000. The funding of clubs and athletics at Joyce Kilmer, Ramapo Ridge, and the high school will be also reduced, although Montesano emphasized that there has been no discussion about the elimination of freshman sports. Student services are also being reviewed, and one or a half guidance counselor position may have to be eliminated. Deptula said the tough decision will be the one to eliminate full time paraprofessional positions and change them to part time positions. A reduction in tuition reimbursement for teachers is also being considered to save $105,000, which Montesano said the board has the right to do even though it is part of the contractual agreement with the teacher’s association. With all of those possible eliminations and reductions, Deptula said the board must still find another $200,000 to cut in order to meet the four percent cap before the March 31 public hearing on the budget. The preliminary total budget stands at $58,190,633, with $54,589,544 in current expenses, $835,000 in special revenue, and $2,766,089 in debt service. That total budget is $931,570 less than the $59,122,203 budget that was approved by the voters last year. Deptula advised that, if the board ultimately approves a budget that meets the four percent mandated cap in the tax levy, it would result in a $165 property tax increase for the owner of a property with an assessed value of $350,000. A public hearing on the budget will be held on March 31 at the school board administrative office building at 60 Ridge Road. Voters will have an opportunity to cast their ballots on the final budget at the school board election on April 20. Ensemble to perform Chopin and Schumann All Seasons Chamber Players will present a “Birthday Celebration” at the Mahwah Public Library on Sunday, April 11 at 2 p.m. Hear the works of Chopin, Schumann, and others performed on flute, cello, and piano. The repertoire will include “Three Water Colors for Flute, Cello and Piano,” “Pictures from the East for Piano Duet, Op.66,” “Three Romances for Flute and Piano, Op 94,” and “Trio in G Minor, Op.8.” This concert is free. No tickets are necessary. The library is located at 100 Ridge Road Mahwah. Call (201) 529-READ. KIDDIE SOCCER Non-Competitive, Spring Sessions Ages 3½-6 Fun Instructional Soccer Sessions begin April 12th Space is limited Register early Oakland • Recreation Complex • Mondays 1:30 Allendale • Guardian Angel Church Field • Tuesdays 10 & 1:30 Visit our website or call us for a complete schedule 973-543-1197 www.kiddiescoccer.com HARDING WINE&SPIRIT We are beside ourselves about this wine we found. It’s called Coastal Vines and the quality blew us away. Every variety tastes like a $10 bottle of wine, but we’re selling it for only $5.01! We have customers coming from all over to take advantage of this incredible buy. How exciting to be able to buy a mixed case of 12 bottles of wine, that has something for everyone, for UNDER WORTH THE TRIP! HUGE WINE SELECTION Beer • Super Premium Spirits Party Planning • Gift Baskets Free Parking • Ice • Soda $65.00 TAX INCLUDED! 305 E. Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED 201-445-7122 Coastal $ Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir 5 .01 750 ml No rain checks issued. Not responsible for typographical errors.