Residents protest in Trenton in light of budgetary crisis

By sandi carpello
Staff Writer

Residents protest in Trenton
in light of budgetary crisis
By sandi carpello
Staff Writer

JAMESBURG — A group of borough residents staged a public demonstration in Trenton Friday in an attempt to gain relief from the state for the school district’s budgetary shortfall.

Disheartened that staff positions and programs were cut last month in the Board of Education’s effort to close a $228,000 shortfall in the 2002-03 budget, more than 30 parents, along with Mayor Anthony LaMantia, picketed loudly in front of the Statehouse in hopes of being heard.

"We want action. We want the state to give money for education," said Elizabeth Amplo, who has a 5-year-old in the district.

At an Oct. 24 meeting, the school board voted to cut four teachers, one vice principal, one secretary, one student assistance coordinator and one custodian.

Grappling with several unanticipated problems such as an increase in special education students, related transportation costs, an increase in staff health benefits and out-of-district placement costs, officials said the cuts were necessary to maintain the $9.5 million budget for the school year.

Board members blamed the state for placing a freeze on state aid earlier this year, and urged residents to contact state officials and demand a solution.

Amplo said the protesters stood outside the Statehouse for two hours, but did not get a response.

State Department of Education spokes-man Richard Vespucci said the department does not have the authority to increase state educational aid, but that officials there realize that many smaller districts have been flat-funded. He recommended that the board either seek special legislation through its legislators, or request additional funding from the municipal government.

The borough is enduring a fiscal crisis of its own after receiving $100,000 less than anticipated in state extraordinary aid this year.

State Sen. Peter Inverso (R-14) recently introduced three bills that would help the district avoid financial woes related to the state aid freeze, special education concerns and out-of-district placement costs. The legislation includes an emergency education appropriation of $160,000 for the school district to defray the shortfall in the budget.

Although he did not know whether the protest yielded a response from the state, LaMantia said he was dissatisfied with the state’s decision to freeze state aid while refusing to pay for state-mandated programs.

Amplo, however, remained positive. She said the group plans to protest in front of the Statehouse again in early December. At that time, the protesters will make sure that Gov. James E. McGreevey will be present when they come, she said.