Montclair's $114 Million Schools Budget Unanimously Approved

As expected, the Board of School Estimate unanimously approved a $114 million schools budget for the 2012-2013 school year on Monday night that does not raise the school tax levy.

The Board of School Estimate also voted unanimously to approve the district's $2.9 million capital budget, which will fund a number of major projects, including $749,000 in roof repairs.

The capital budget, however, will not pay for artificial turf at Heningburg Field.

Whereas last year Superintendent Dr. Frank Alvarez for the district that would slash $4.5 million in staff and from programs and services, includes no tax increase and no decreases to current programs, services, or staff.

Last year, the budget outsourced teacher aides whereas this year the budget will allow the hiring of a dozen full- or part-time teachers or staff.

Last year, the talk was of closing schools and taking away courtesy busing for nearly 1,000 students. This year, the budget will allow for one-time expenditures such as the spending of $1.2 million on mostly technology-related improvements.

Details of both the 2012-2013 operating budget and the capital budget can be found here.

The Board of School Estimate is led by Mayor Jerry Fried and includes councilors Nick Lewis and Renee Baskerville as well as School Board President Shelly Lombard and board member Robin Kulwin.

The next school board meeting is Monday night, April 9.