The Cherry Hill Board of Education passed its preliminary school budget, 6–2, at last night’s meeting.
The preliminary budget keeps current programs and services intact, restores four teaching positions that were reduced from last year’s budget, and lowers the local school tax levy by $500,000 compared to the current year.
Although, there was some debate about whether or not the $500,000 should be used for capital improvement projects. An amendment proposed to do just that failed, 4–4.
“We have a golden opportunity to give back to the taxpayers,” Board President Seth Klukoff said. “We may never have this opportunity again.”
The nearly $168 million budget is about $3.3 million, or 2 percent, more than the 2010–11 budget, and about $4.4 million less than the 2009–10 budget.
Unfortunately, for taxpayers, due to an almost $60 million drop in rateables in the township, taxes will surely rise, one reason many members of the board felt the need to reduce the district’s tax levy for this year.
The district will hold informal budget conversations throughout March and April, with the first being tomorrow at Kingston Elementary School at 7 p.m., and the next March 7 at Beck Middle School
The district will meet March 8 for more discussion at the board’s regularly scheduled work session, at 7 p.m.
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