MARLBORO – The Marlboro K-8 School District Board of Education has introduced a budget for the 2021-22 school year that totals $93.38 million.
The budget calls for a local tax levy of $79.2 million to be paid by Marlboro’s residential and commercial property owners. The taxpayers’ share of the budget revenue will be about 84.8%
The budget was introduced on March 16 and a public hearing on the spending plan has been scheduled for the board’s April 20 meeting. The board may adopt the budget at that time.
The school district’s 2020-21 budget totaled $94.25 million and was supported by a tax levy of $77.65 million, so while overall spending will decrease for the upcoming school year, the amount to be collected in taxes has increased by about $1.55 million.
On a motion to introduce the 2021-22 budget during the March 16 meeting, board President Robyn Wolfe, Vice President Randy Heller and board members Tricia Branch, Stephen Shifrinson, Jennifer Silacci, Susan Shrem and Jill Strafaci voted “yes.”
Board member Robert Daniel voted “no.” He could not be reached for comment regarding his vote. Board member Kathleen Amster was absent from the meeting.
During the upcoming academic year, Marlboro’s state aid will be reduced by about $850,000, from $9.75 million in 2020-21 to $8.9 million in 2021-22.
Under the terms of a state law known as S-2 that was enacted in 2018, Marlboro’s state aid will continue to be reduced each year through 2024-25. Administrators estimate the school district’s state aid for 2024-25 will be about $5.8 million.
In 2020-21, Marlboro’s K-8 school tax rate was $1.072 per $100 of assessed valuation. The average home in the township is assessed at $495,093. The owner of that home paid about $5,306 in K-8 school taxes (1.072 x 4,950).
In 2021-22, Marlboro’s K-8 school tax rate will be $1.088 per $100 of assessed valuation. The average home in the township was assessed at $494,783. The owner of that home paid about $5,382 in K-8 school taxes (1.088 x 4,947).
School taxes are one item on a property owner’s tax bill, which also includes Monmouth County taxes, Marlboro municipal taxes, Freehold Regional High School District taxes and a fire district tax.
The amount an individual pays in property taxes is determined by the assessed value of his home and/or property and the tax rate that is set by each taxing entity.
The budget that was introduced by the board in March may be amended until the public hearing is conducted.
Business Administrator Vincent Caravello said the school district’s current enrollment is 4,597 pupils. He projects enrollment to decrease to 4,499 students in September.