Kinnelon Schools to Suffer Job Losses, Deep Program Cuts

April 1, 2010

The school board is set tonight to formalize a proposed $35.3 million district budget for 2010-11 that reflects a loss of 28.5 staff positions and a cutback in its kindergarten program.

A $1.9 million cut in state aid has forced the board to slash the budget and seek creative alternatives. One of the most controversial is a plan to cut 1 1/2 hours from the extended-day kindergarten.

Alice Robinson, school district business administrator, said one of the latest options discussed at the Friday board workshop meeting was district funding of a half-day kindergarten program and making an extended or full-day kindergarten program for those willing to pay for the extra time. Robinson said many people supported the concept.

The district would have to get a firm idea about who would be interested in such an arrangement so it could gauge costs and staffing needs, she said.

Though some suggested a pay-to-ride transportation program, Robinson said that option is not on the table now because of the hazardous road conditions.

The tentative budget introduced is $35.3 million and comprises a $32 million general fund, $2.8 million in debt service, and $487,000 in grant funding. The 2010-11 budget submitted to the county features a $33.3 million tax levy with a $30.9 million general fund tax that will be placed on the April 20 ballot. That equates to a $325 tax hike on an average home, assessed at $390,000.