On March 1, the Board of Education adopted a preliminary budget for 2011–2012 that keeps current programs and services intact, restores four teaching positions that were reduced from last year’s budget, and adds new teaching positions to meet state mandates and special education requirements.
And — good news for the taxpayer — it reduces the local school tax levy by $500,000 compared to the current year.
We’ll share more information about the budget proposal in the weeks to come.
But we also encourage residents to learn more by attending one of the remaining budget forums.
These informal conversations are hosted by members of the Cherry Hill Board of Education and include a brief overview of the budget followed by opportunities for questions:
Monday, March 14 — Conversation with Middle School Parents, Carusi Middle School, 315 Roosevelt Dr., 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 16 — Conversation with Preschool and Elementary School Parents, A. Russell Knight Elementary School, 140 Old Carriage Road, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Monday, March 21 — Conversation with High School Parents, Malberg Administration Building, 45 Ranoldo Terrace, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 13 — Conversation with All Parents, Rosa International Middle School, 485 Browning Lane, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Board has also set aside Tuesdays in March for Special Budget Meetings (check the Web site, www.chclc.org, for confirmation of date, time, and location as some dates are subject to change).
The Public Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. The location of this meeting will be announced.
Finally, Board members and administration welcome opportunities to visit Civic Associations and other organizations to share information about the budget. Please call 429–5600, ext. 4325 to schedule a date. Talk to you soon!
Susan Bastnagel is the Public Information Officer for the Cherry Hill Public Schools. She can be reached at 429–5600, ext. 4325.