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Fringe
| | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2001 - 10:35 am: |     |
The role of the Maplewood Township Committee and the South Orange Village Trustees in approving the SO-M School District budget has arisen in recent the threads. Herewith are some of the previous comments on the topic:
Years ago when South Orange and Maplewood split, the two towns could not agree on how to divide the schools. A consolidated school district became the solution. However, because of the difference in population,
South Orange officials, concerned about being out-voted, insisted on a budget-approval mechanism that did away with a direct citizen vote. As a result the NJ legislature passed a law, worded in such a way that it only
applied to the SO-M district, stating that the school budget would be voted on by a Board of School Estimate [BOSE].
The BOSE as currently constituted includes: three South Orange Trustees, three Maplewood Committeepersons, and two members of the school board. For a budget to pass at least four of the six town/village members must approve - effectively giving either town a veto.
Voters in other NJ districts have elected to use similar systems, but are allowed to return to direct citizen approval by a majority in a local
vote. At least one district has chosen to reverse the process. But, because this district's system was established by the state, only the legislature can change it.
For many years the system used mattered little, as school districts could appeal rejected budgets to the State Education Superintendent, and as a matter of course, have the original budget reinstated. But in the mid-90's new state law limited appeals, and the rejects were sent to BOSE-like entities at the district level. Local elected officials then make the decision,
mindful of the vote of the citizens. In districts with BOSEs, the thinking is that the BOSE would meet a second time to reconsider its first vote.
In July 2000, then mayor Ryan, in response to my question on this message board, had this to say about the Township Committee's role:
"You know that the school board sets policy for the school system, establishes its budget, and askes for the BSE to approve the tax levy. You know Maplewood is primarily residential. You know that state aid is shrinking. Your questions are questions for the school board, I think, and I suggest that you direct your questions to the school board."
My response-
"The previous thread began about the impact of the school budget on local taxes and who bears the responsibility for implementing those taxes. I
have stated that the school budget of South Orange-Maplewood is paid for by the highest percentage of residential property tax of any district in New Jersey. I believe this translates to the highest education cost for property owners of any town in the state. Roughly [59%] of the local property tax goes to support South Orange-Maplewood schools. ...
You have suggested that my concerns are addressed to the wrong elected body, and answers should come from the school board. I disagree. Because of the unique situation created by NJ law, town elected officials
sitting as The Board of School Estimate vote on the school budget in place of the residents. Because of the importance of education and the
impact on property taxes, one could easily argue that this is the single most important official duty for a Maplewood Township Committeeman or
South Orange Village Trustee - and the least understood.
...
No, Jerry, I addressed my questions to the right person, and suggest you read the biography on Harry Truman before sending me to Brian O'Leary or Peter Horoschak for answers. You don't expect them to accept blame for the
zoning/habitability mess? They only shrug their shoulders and point to the towns or the ambiguous "new students" as an explanation for the District's failures - without providing any hard data to prove the claims made by their mouthpieces on this board."
Mr. DeLuca has replaced Mr. Ryan as a Maplewood member of the BOSE
effective 1 Jan 2001.
JTL |
Jur050
| | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2001 - 2:59 pm: | |
I ask then, Mr DeLuca, will you let us concerned citizens know what your priorities are as the new member of the BOSE?
Obviously taxes, and the recent reval efforts are be high on your list of priorities as Mayor, but since most of those revenues go directly to the School budget, what steps will you be taking in that role?
I would certainly offer to assist you in seeking out State aid! I'd even go to Trenton, or even Newark. |
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