Guest Blog: VOTE YES on Tuesday April 20th: Here’s why

Did you know the Board of Education’s proposed budget compensates for the district’s 100% loss of state aid while generating $1.2 million in savings?

The savings are achieved via non-teacher staff reductions (senior administration, secretarial, clerks, grounds, maintenance), few teacher reductions (1.75 PE teachers; 0.5 kindergarten teacher), teacher contributions of 1.5% of their salaries toward benefits, custodial services outsourcing, and operations and energy reductions. In a time of increased costs and decreased funding, the Board of Education has taken cost cutting seriously.

Did you know the proposed budget represents the first decrease in per pupil spending in recent years?

The cost per pupil will decrease 1% and is the first per pupil spending decrease in many years. However, the classroom instruction percentage of that amount will increase. This means that significant cuts are happening, but they are outside of classroom services and will have less impact on the children. This decrease is achieved even while the district will be receiving $1.5 million less in state aid.

Did you know eligible Haddonfield senior citizens can vote to support the budget without paying a tax increase?

Eligible senior citizens with total income less than $80,000 in 2009 are eligible for a freeze on their property taxes, and therefore would not have to pay the 3.25% proposed tax increase. They can support the school budget, or not vote at all, with no impact to their taxes if they are eligible and file with the state for this tax freeze.

Did you know every vote counts?

The margin of victory in past years has been less than 10 votes. Please urge all eligible voters in your household to vote on Tuesday, April 20th.

Please VOTE YES. It matters. Haddonfield’s kids matter.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

written by Amy Wilson and Terri Foreman