East Rockaway School District officials adopted a $40,298,143 proposed budget for the 2019-20 school year at last month’s Board of Education meeting. The budget vote is scheduled for May 21 at East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The tax levy increase — the total amount that a district must collect in property taxes to meet expenses — is set at 2.94 percent, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap. The budget is $875,200 more than the 2018-19 spending plan.
“The Board of Education and administration of the district have worked diligently and are proud to have been able to present a proposed budget that falls not just within, but below, our allowable tax levy cap,” Superintendent of Schools Lisa Ruiz said. “The proposed budget maintains all programs and includes many exciting improvements and additions for our students.”
Ruiz added that officials have posted budget information on the district’s website and have mailed a detailed budget brochure home to residents. She encouraged residents to remember to vote when the polls open.
District officials will also use $760,000 from an appropriated fund balance and $345,000 in reserves to help further contain the tax impact on the community.