School budget, second question OK’d

Approval results in combined 14-cent tax rate hike for 2005-06.

By: Lea Kahn
   The township school district’s proposed $57.6 million operating budget and a second question that would raise money for special projects squeaked past the voters Tuesday, resulting in a combined 14-cent tax rate increase for 2005-06.
   Voters approved the $49.3 million tax levy to support the budget by a 222-vote margin — 1,758 to 1,536. The $2.5 million second question was approved by a 128-vote margin — 1,622 to 1,494. The tallies include absentee ballots.
   "I’m thrilled that they passed," Superintendent of Schools Max Riley said Wednesday afternoon. "It’s a huge boost for the educational program. The budget will advance the quality of the program. The second question will help with the facilities. It raises money that we don’t have to spend out of the budget."
   Tuesday’s actions means the school district’s property tax rate will rise by 14 cents — 9 cents to support the budget and 5 cents to pay for the second question. The tax rate will increase from $1.82 per $100 of assessed value to $1.96.
   The owner of a house assessed at the township average of $163,000 will pay $3,113 to support the budget, or $146 more than last year’s tab of $2,967. Approval of the second question means that homeowner will pay an extra $81, for a total tax bill of $3,194 in school taxes.
   The operating budget provides money for a K-3 math coach, a preschool coordinator and an expansion of the preschool program, two teachers on special assignment — one for literacy in grades K-8 and one for technology in grades K-12 — and to add a third assistant principal at Lawrence High School.
   There is money in the budget for an assessment coordinator to help analyze test results and program evaluation. The curriculum also would be updated to ensure it is aligned with state standards. An assistant business administrator would be hired to oversee school district facilities and prepare a long-range maintenance plan.
   The budget also would restore the Freshman Agenda, which is an orientation program for incoming freshmen. It also includes funding for summer school for both remedial and enrichment courses, as well as support for the continuing partnership between the school district and Eggerts Crossing Village and the Lawrence Neighborhood Service Center.
   Safety priorities include a new roof for the LHS gym and auditorium, as well as continued asbestos removal at the Eldridge Park and Ben Franklin elementary schools and the Lawrence Middle School. Four additional security guards would be hired — two more for LHS and two for LMS.
   An additional custodial staff member and an additional maintenance staff member — for the school buildings and school grounds, respectively — would be hired under the spending plan.
   The second question, which is a one-time assessment for special projects, will raise money to pay for changes to the Lawrence Intermediate School to ensure that cars and buses are separated from students and that traffic flow is improved.
   Asphalt and curb repair work will be done, including repaving the parking lot and widening the driveway from 21 feet to 24 feet.
   The second question also will provide money for similar asphalt repairs and resurfacing for the Slackwood, Eldridge Park and Lawrenceville elementary schools.
   A sprinkler system will be installed at the athletic fields at LMS and LHS, and the LMS tennis courts will be resurfaced.