By Dan Israeli
Greenberg proposes budget hike under 5 percent; Weitz stepping down
Superintendent Dr. Robert Greenberg announced his proposed 2007-08 school budget at the Board of Education's meeting this Tuesday, seeking $107,739,742 in spending. But all eyes were on the report's three-year budget trend, which projected lower percentages in both spending and tax levy increases over last year.
The expected spending increase for the budget currently stands at 4.87 in Greenberg's proposal, compared to 5.17 last year. Likewise, the property tax levy would increase by 5.31 percent if approved, lower than last year's 5.89 percent.
And in a somewhat surprising move, veteran school board trustee Steve Weiss announced he will not seek a fourth term on the board. His current term expires in May.
The tax levy, based on the governor's school aid proposal released earlier this year, could still see some modification even though the Superintendent doesn't expect a state budget to be handed down anytime soon. "If we get some harder information, we can revisit the tax levy and make some adjustments in that regard," Greenberg said.
In response to the Superintendent's proposal, a few board members expressed interest in trimming the numbers a little more. "I still feel that some tweaking needs to be done," said board trustee Pat Gallagher. "The number needs to be lower when we go to the taxpayers."
Gallagher suggested that the spending increase be "tweaked" down to 3.84, a number that he said would be on pace with the state's current inflation rate. In agreement was Weitz, who said he also felt the budget needed to be looked over once more. The Superintendent said he was open to the board's suggestions: "I remain optimistic, and will try to come in with something responsive to the board's request."
The proposed budget received a nod of approval from one taxpayer at the meeting, who said she preferred keeping the numbers steady if tweaking meant removing certain programs. "I'm content that the increase rates are going down and that they're [board] trying to work it out," said Joy McCarthy, a mother of four district students. "I just don't want programs to get cut. The schools are in desperate need of as much support services as possible."
With this budget, Greenberg presented a framework that he said will maintain the district's programs and services, uphold favorable class sizes while carefully considering the impact on the tax levy. "Over time, it's important to develop a budget that's on an even keel, with no spikes," Greenberg said. "We are trying to put together a budget that will prevent a huge impact to the district and the tax payers."
Also at the meeting, Weitz, whose term ends this year, announced that he will not be seeking reelection after nearly a decade with the board. "I feel honored to have served and want to thank everyone for letting me do so over the last nine years," Weitz said. "I intend to keep doing the job I have been doing until my current term is up."
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