Education spending reviewed at forum

By:Donna Lukiw
   About 40 residents and school officials gathered Tuesday at the Hillsborough Education Association’s public budget meeting at the Hillsborough Middle School, giving the officials a chance to clarify the district’s spending priorities and plans.
   "We are holding this meeting tonight to be able to explain the budget in more detail and answer any questions or concerns you may have," Tom Venanzi, assistant superintendent of business, said Tuesday.
   If approved by voters in the April 19 school elections, the $93.8 million budget would increase the tax rate from $1.762 per $100 assessed value to $1.837, a 4.28 percent increase. Under the budget, $66.2 million will be raised through local taxes. State aid this year remained flat at $20.3 million.
   Superintendent of Schools Karen Lake briefly reviewed the final budget, explaining personnel changes, including the addition of Sspecial Eeducation teachers and a Spanish teacher at the middle school.
   Ms. Lake also discussed the board’s second budget question on the April 19 ballot, that seeks voter approval of spending $261,000 to pay for computers, coaches and supplies and equipment for athletes.
   Mrs. Lake also explained the new law setting a 3.01 percent cap for school districts, causing budget headaches for officials trying to plan for the state-required technological needs for the district.
   "We criticize the state for not funding us properly," Mr. Venanzi said.
   Other concerns mentioned included the possible overcrowding caused by new housing developments, a lack of teachers in the schools, and the slow progress of technology updates the schools.