No Tax Increase in Brooklawn School District
Saturday, March 26, 2011
press release
The Brooklawn Board of Education held a public hearing and then approved the district’s 2011-2012 budget of $5,087,799 at the meeting of the Board on March 24. There will be no tax increase in the district. The district remains at the state minimum tax levy, which means that state law will not permit the Board to reduce taxes below this amount.
Superintendent Dr. John Kellmayer remarked, “Everyone is aware of the difficult economic times that school districts and tax payers alike are experiencing. We have not increased taxes for many years now, while maintaining high academic standards. Our per pupil spending is among the lowest in the region. The district was recently cited by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education as high achieving. To achieve such success while keeping taxes at the lowest level permitted by state reflects very positively on the Board and staff.”
The district plans to continue to provide services not only for families who have children who attend school in the district, but for the entire community as well. The Shop Rite of Brooklawn Center and the Flowers Library and Media Center will be open evenings and some weekends. Programs will be planned for residents of all ages. The district offers a before and after school latchkey program. In addition, the district will continue to offer a fullday pre-kindergarten program and to expand the use of technology in all grades. Board of Education President Bruce Darrow remarked, “The entire Board should be commended for their hard work in putting together the 2011-2012 budget. Board members have worked to reach a consensus on the budget in such difficult times.”
Darrow also said, “Our students continue to do well academically, and the district cost per pupil is among the lowest in the state. In the past several years, we have built a library, classrooms, and a gym, added staff and programs, installed a new heating system and windows, made significant improvements in technology, and made numerous other improvements to educational programs and the physical plant—all without a tax increase. The Board remains committed to working with the entire community, including Mayor and Council, to find innovative ways to continue the success of the school district for the benefit of not only the students but all the residents of Brooklawn.”