PLUMSTED		TOWNSHIP
Pride in Plumsted, the State's Center

Town Talk

The Township Committee, in response to the voters rejecting the School tax levy on April 20th, reduced the Plumsted School District total tax increase of $525,000 by 55% to $237,000 on May 18th. As a result of the tax reduction, School taxes have been limited to a 2% increase for 2010. Pursuant to State Law, the Township Committee's statutory authority is solely restricted to the amount of taxes, while, the School Board has the final determination for its' budget line items and programs.

During the fifth and final public hearing for the School budget on May 18th, the Township Committee and School Board met jointly and unanimously agreed upon reducing and limiting the tax increase to 2%. The $288,000 tax reduction was made possible, with the technical assistance and concurrence of the State Department of Education's Executive County School Superintendent's Office,  by utilizing $72,000 of available revenues from Federal Impact Aid and $216,000 from School deferred taxes to reduce the debt service portion of the tax levy.

Reducing the amount of taxes was the only official action taken by the Township Committee and School Board. Deputy Mayor Dave Leutwyler did not vote and recused himself from the meetings to avoid any appearance of a potential conflict of interest, since his wife is employed by the School District. 

Unlike previous years, the Governor and  Commissioner of Education have announced that, this year, School Districts across the State will be able to amend their School Budgets until the Governor signs the State's Budget which is expected to be the end of June. At the conclusion of the School and Township joint meeting of May 18th, the School Board provided the public with a status report of three pending issues that have not yet been formally finalized by the School Board.

First, the School Board and Teacher's Association representatives have had informal discussions, however, at this time there is nothing that can be officially announced.

Second, with respect to Kindergarten, in addition to the half day A.M. session, an option for parents desiring full day academic based Kindergarten with certified teachers is being presented on a fee basis at $275 per month. The current Pre-K program offered at $350 per month would also be reduced to the $275. The School District is sending surveys to parents to determine the interest. In consideration of financial ability to pay, the State's scale to determine eligibility for the free and reduced school lunch program would be applicable for the optional full day academic based program.

Thirdly, regarding courtesy busing within 2 or 2.5 miles of the School, an option for parents desiring the busing would be provided on a fee basis at an amount to be determined, but not to exceed, $2.50 per day ($450 for the year) per student. In the event a family has more than one student for busing within the 2 or 2.5 miles of the School, a family would not be charged more than a maximum of $5 per day ($900 for the year), regardless of the number of children. The School District is sending surveys to parents to quantify to level of interest. Similarly, in consideration of financial ability to pay, the State's scale to determine eligibility for the free and reduced school lunch program would be applicable for the optional busing program.

Three years ago, a separate question was placed on the ballot asking the voters if local tax dollars should be used to fund courtesy busing within the 2 or 2.5 miles of the school and a majority voted "No." In 2007, with sufficient Federal Impact Aid, the courtesy busing was restored. There is no State Aid funding for courtesy busing.

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Contact the State Legislative Office

For Federal issues, contact our Congressman Chris Smith at 609-585-7878 and for County matters, contact Freeholder Director Gerry Little at 1-800-722-0291. Browse the Township website: www.plumsted.org and www.mainstreetne.org or www.downtownnewegyptnpp.org for more information and current events.

Ron Dancer, Mayor

609-758-2241 Township - Ext 102

609-758-3497 Home

Email: r.s.dancer@att.net

www.plumsted.org