Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-March 9, 2011 Issue

Franklin Lakes March 9, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 K-8 school district reduces tentative budget by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes K-8 School District has introduced its proposed $27,610,448 2010-11 budget, which reflects a total decrease of 2.1 percent, or $599,338, from last year due to a $1,151,014 reduction in the debt service expense. While pointing out that the budget numbers are subject to change, and changes will continue to be made to the budget before it is submitted to the voters in April, School Business Administrator Michael Solokas advised that the district’s operating portion of the budget increased 2.17 percent from $25,439,185 to $25,992,441. The tax levy for the operating portion of the budget will increase by 1.56 percent, or $360,586, from $23,129,335 to $23,489,921. Officials pointed to the allocation of additional state aid for tax relief. The district received an additional $251,625 in state aid this year, and the school board decided to use $100,000 for property tax relief and $151,625 for facilities repair, utilities, and personnel expenses. According to Solokas the tax levy for the total budget will decrease by 3.1 percent, or $790,428, from $25,362,356 to $24,571,928. He emphasized that the total tax impact on the average home in the borough assessed at $1,032,252 will be a decrease of $362, which is comprised of a decrease of $57 for the operating portion of the tax budget, and a decrease of $305 for debt service. Utility and health care cost increases were not within the control of the district, Solokas said, and there was no negative impact from last year’s settlement of a contract with teachers, instructional aides, secretaries, and other non-managerial employees. That agreement provided 3.5 percent salary increases over the two-year contract, which will end in June. He emphasized that all employees are contributing a minimum of 1.5 percent of their salaries towards their health insurance. Administrators contribute an additional 10 percent of premiums so, in total, they pay for over 25 percent of their health insurance, Solokas said. Citing some the efforts being made by the district to increase revenues, Solokas said, “The district looks to invest in itself by expanding current programs that bring in substantial revenue and serve students far better than outof-district placements ever could. “We are currently in the process of expanding our preschool Bright Horizons Program and our stellar special education programs, currently raising $1.6 million, and we continue to serve our population and out of town populations well. In addition to the revenue, programs like these save hundreds of thousands of dollars more in potential expenses saved.” Solokas added that Superintendent Frank Romano has plans to continue partnering with the FLOW district schools and with colleges and universities such as Montclair State University through its Network for Educational Renewal. Solokas added that the district is currently engaged in a full-blown district efficiency study. The community may follow the study by visiting www.franklinlakes.org and selecting the efficiency study update link under NEWS on the homepage, or by selecting efficiency study updates under the superintendent link on the blue side-navigation bar. Virgo Boutique Fun & Fashionable Women’s Clothing & Accessories at M-Sat 9-5:30 LOW PRICES 8 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood • 201-444-2060 UP WINTER SALE TO 50% OFF Recently relocated from NYC � �� � �� � �� � �� � �� But STILL can’t lose that Tummy or Cellulite? Call me about VelaShapeTM A NEW Nonsurgical method of Fat reduction and body contouring • Non-invasive • No Anesthesia • No Downtime Dieting? Working Out? Bring this ad in for 15% off any non-sale items � �� Beverly Dunn, MD Waldwick, NJ • 201-445-0032 2-23-11 kathy/janine VirgoBoutique2x2(2-23-11) 2 x 2” ��