By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
The Upper Freehold Regional School District Board of Education has adopted a 2017-18 budget that will increase the average homeowner’s tax bill by $230 in Upper Freehold Township and by $52 in Allentown while allowing administrators to continue to offer academies that challenge students and may lead them to a career path.
A public hearing on the budget was held on May 3 at the Newell Elementary School, Allentown. The board adopted the budget following a public hearing during which one resident, Eric Rodriguez, asked a question about class size.
Superintendent of Schools Richard Fitzpatrick said the board’s guidelines seek to keep class size in the mid-20’s and he said administrators try not to exceed 26 students in any class.
Fitzpatrick said that during a separate meeting, administrators presented the budget to residents of the Four Seasons adult community in Upper Freehold Township. He described the exchange as “very productive” and said the residents asked a lot of questions.
Because the 2017-18 budget meets financial guidelines established by the state, residents will not vote on the spending plan as they did in previous years.
Board President Patricia Hogan and board members Rick Smith, Howard Krieger, Billy Hanson, Kurt Wayton and Lara Michaud voted to adopt the budget.
Fitzpatrick said Allentown High School will continue to offer an Engineering Academy, the Public and International Affairs Academy, and Tomorrow’s Teachers, which provides courses and practicum experiences for students considering a career in education.
At the Stone Bridge Middle School, an Advanced Mathematics academy promotes high level performance in mathematics for students in grades five through seven who have demonstrated a readiness to learn math at a faster pace.
At the Stone Bridge Middle School and Allentown High School, an Agricultural Science Academy offers students hands-on learning experiences in the field of agriculture. An Arts Academy “challenges students with demonstrated passion, talent and commitment in instrumental, vocal music, theater, dance, visual art and video production to use electives to refine their skills.”
Speaking about a curriculum that may help a young person identify a possible career path, Fitzpatrick said, “Kids want to do things that are going to lead them somewhere.”
The district’s 2017-18 budget totals $41.7 million and will be supported by the collection of $25.7 million in taxes from property owners in Upper Freehold Township and Allentown.
The school district’s 2016-17 budget totaled $41.07 million and was supported by a tax levy of $25.19 million.
In Upper Freehold, the school tax rate was $1.763 per $100 of assessed valuation in 2016-17 and the owner of a home assessed at $464,500 paid about $8,190 in school taxes. In 2017-18, the tax rate will be $1.813. The owner of a home assessed at $464,500 will pay $8,420 in school taxes, an increase of $230.
In Allentown, the school tax rate was $1.877 per $100 of assessed valuation in 2016-17 and the owner of a home assessed at $289,000 paid about $5,424 in school taxes. In 2017-18, the tax rate will be $1.895. The owner of a home assessed at $289,000 will pay $5,476 in school taxes, an increase of $52.
During the May 3 board meeting, Fitzpatrick said, “People tell us they are seeking a place just like this to raise their family.” He said the district’s staff works diligently “to make sure there is a place for every child in this district” in terms of curriculum, activities, clubs and athletics.
Fitzpatrick said a significant effort has been made to provide every student in grades five through 12 with a Chromebook laptop computer.
Students use the device for daily classroom assignments, homework, independent research, problem solving and personal computing needs, and for state mandated testing, according to a presentation about the budget.
“As kids go to college they are expected to be skilled and proficient in technology. It is an expectation society has,” Fitzpatrick said.
The Upper Freehold Regional School District serves children from Upper Freehold Township and Allentown in kindergarten through 12th grade. Residents of Millstone Township attend Allentown High School on a tuition basis.
Tuition payments to the district from Millstone Township and other agencies will account for $8.48 million in revenue in the upcoming school year, according to Business Administrator Margaret Hom.