Regl. school budget calls for 2% rise
BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer

ABERDEEN - The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District has adopted a school budget calling for a 2 percent tax levy increase over last year, the lowest rise in five years.

The $63.3 million regional school district spending plan, which will be voted on by residents of Matawan and Aberdeen April 15, calls for a tax levy of $46,805, 204.D

ue to the recent revaluations in Matawan, for the owner of an average home assessed at $479,000, the tax levy wouldmean an additional $19.51 amonth, or $234 a year, in school taxes.

For the owner of an average home in Aberdeen valued at $200,000, the tax levy would translate to an increase of $16.68 a month, or $200.16 for the year.

"We wanted to cut as far fromthe classroom as we could," said Business Administrator Susan Irons.

Superintendent Richard O'Malley and Irons both emphasized that the cost per student in theMatawan-Aberdeen district is $12,227, $579 below the state average of $12,806. O'Malley also reiterated that administrative costs were not what drives the budget up.

According to a budget presentation at theMarch 19 Board of Educationmeeting, Matawan-Aberdeen expects to spend $1,476 per student for administrative costs in the 2008-09 school year, which is within the regional spending limit of $1,663. Last year administrative costs per pupil were $1,410.

The budget allows for the district to make improvements to the high school television studio, complete the repairs to the Cambridge Park School roof, and contractual salary increases, among others.

O'Malley also emphasized that state aid revenues increased by 10 percent, or $1,211,517.

Board of Education President Larry O'Connell opened up the meeting acknowledging the criticism the board received for hiring a part-time superintendent. O'Connell reassured those in attendance that O'Malley is hard at work. The new superintendent is currently a part-time employee until his contract with the Mountainside School District is complete.

"Dr. O'Malley has spent quality time in all of our schools in the short time he has been here," O'Connell said. "This year, we have the lowest tax increase in the local tax levy in recent history."

The 2007-08 budget, which proposed a 19-cent increase in the school tax rate, was voted down.

O'Connell went on to describe the new superintendent as "aggressive, proactive, and results-oriented."

Residents were restrained about the budget.

Matawan resident Dennis Brady came to themeeting bristling for a fight, he said.

"I wanted to come in here and slam you guys, but I can't because you did your job," Brady said. "It shows that you really worked hard to only raise the levy 2 percent."

Aberdeen resident Mary Laudano echoed Brady's sentiment

"I think it is a reflection of the economy as well," she said, "but 2 percent? I would really like to see zero percent, I would."