An $11,000 review and closed-door negotiations
By: Courtney Gross
Princeton Regional School District’s defeated budget is in line for an independent review commissioned by the Borough Council and Township Committee.
The two bodies have solicited a consultant to examine and make recommendations on possible cuts in the school budget. They have also agreed to conduct negotiations with school administrators behind closed doors.
The $11,000 review would be done by Certified Public Accountant Peter Martin of McCormac & Co. and the Hamilton Financial Group with the cost shared by the two municipalities.
"From my perspective the addition of a set of eyes would benefit the entire municipality and the school district," said Township Committeeman Chad Goerner following the governing body’s endorsement of the agreement Monday.
In addition to the consultant, both the borough and the township governing bodies agreed to work out the details of any budget revisions through their finance subcommittees, which will not be subject to the state’s Open Public Meetings Act.
A final set of recommendations, including a resolution and statement describing the rationale for any cuts, would be subject to both governing bodies’ approval in a public meeting, which must occur before May 21.
Prior to the Borough Council’s approval of the process at its meeting Tuesday, Borough Administrator Robert Bruschi said allowing a smaller group to sit down and work out the details was a much more "efficient" way to handle the process given the time constraints and the amount of agencies involved.
Last rejected in 1991, the Princeton Regional Board of Education’s budget for the 2007-2008 school year was defeated April 17 by a vote of 913-870, with 675 for the proposal in the township and 644 against and 269 borough voters opposed and 195 in favor.
Both members of the borough and the township’s governing bodies questioned the need for the municipalities’ to retain and fund the consultant. They recommended the school district cover some of the cost. But because the consultant would be advising the municipalities only, Borough Attorney Michael Herbert said an immediate contribution by the district would present a conflict.
However, he added, the municipalities could request the district cover part of the cost at a later date.
School Superintendent Judy Wilson said contributing to the consultant’s cost was not the district’s responsibility. But, she added, the district had not been approached with the proposal, and the ultimate decision rests with the Board of Education.
In contrast to speculation that the budget’s rejection was a result of frustration with state government in Trenton, borough officials said the defeat was a result of a proposed 16-cent tax hike and a history of excessive spending by the school district.
"I think we have to respect a vote against was a vote against this budget," said Borough Councilman Andrew Koontz. "This budget is reflective of a policy that has been represented for many years."
Even so, the likelihood the revised budget would provide real relief for either borough or township taxpayers is slim, officials said, because the state restricts municipalities to certain areas of the budget and requires the district provide a "thorough and efficient" education.
Both municipalities and the district will be led through the process by Mercer County Superintendent of Schools Michael K. Klavon, who will review any cuts proposed by the governing bodies. If reductions are proposed by the municipalities which is not a requirement by the state the district would be held to the dollar amount not the specific line item decreases.
Some in the borough said the consultant could act as a facilitator one who will weigh the interests of both the borough and the township while others see the consultant as providing much-needed expertise given the governing bodies’ tight deadline.
According to a project cost summary submitted to the township by the consultant, the professional review will include a five-year analysis of the district’s appropriations and revenues, which would target areas of excessive spending.
For the school board, Ms. Wilson said it would discuss the negotiating process and determine who would be working with the municipalities at a meeting today.
"We’re ready to set dates and to enter into these discussions very openly and look for a very good resolution in the next two weeks," Ms. Wilson said.

