Schools Chief: We're Happy With State Aid Figure

Jefferson Township schools would get half a million dollars more in state aid in 2011-2012 than they did in 2010-2011 under Gov. Chris Christie's proposed budget.

"The amount we're scheduled to receive is $531,417, and we're happy with this number," said Dr. Kathaleen Fuchs, superintendent of Jefferson schools. "It takes a bite out of the $2.6 million that was cut by the state in the 2010-2011 budget, as well as the $300,000 additional money the council cut from that budget after it didn't pass at the election," she added.

Christie promised in his budget address Tuesday every district in the state would see an aid increase—part of a $250 million boost to education aid overall. In Morris County alone, schools would see an overall increase of more than $13 million.

Last year, the governor sharply reduced aid to schools, including several in Morris County. Some saw their state aid eliminated entirely. At the time, many districts had been making plans for their budgets based on suggestions of more modest cuts by the state Department of Education.

"We were thinking we were going to be flat in this budget, or even take a loss," Fuchs said. "So we're happy to see the increase we got."

Fuchs isn't yet sure exactly where the money will be spent.

"Our finance committee meets on March 1, and they will be considering many options," Fuchs said. "They have a long list of things they will look at."

After the board adopts the budget, it must be approved by Dr. Kathleen C. Serafino, Morris County Superintendent of Schools.

"She will look at it to be sure it follows the state's efficiency regulations," Fuchs said. "She can make changes to it."

Following that, the budget will be discussed at a public hearing scheduled for March 24 at 8 p.m. at the middle school media center.

"We can still make changes up to that date," Fuchs said. "After that the budget will be finalized and placed on the ballot for voting on April 27."