Proposed 2010-2011 operating budget………………………………………..……….$54,222,051
Increase over 2009-2010 operating budget……………………………...….…………..$ 2,123,442
Percentage
Increase………………………………………………………………………………………………4.1%
What factors influence the operating budget?
• Loss of $2.6 million in state aid. The state now pays less than 1% of the total cost of
educating Chatham students. This is despite the fact that Chatham residents pay over $60
million in income tax to the State.
• Increased enrollment. The student population grew by 180 students last year alone. We
have increased by an average of 125 students a year for the past twelve years.
• Maintenance of aging facilities. This includes roof repairs in most schools.
• Legislation that restricts the district’s ability to raise and allocate funds. Trenton has
proposed more restrictions in future years.
How much will homeowners pay?
• The rate increase for this budget is less than the average increase in the previous four
budgets.
• Increases are a direct result of increasing enrollment and decreasing state aid year after
year.
• A failed budget will bring more cuts to existing staff and programs.
Do taxpayers get a good value for their school tax dollars?
YES! Our district continues to be one of the top performing districts in the state with the
highest mean SAT scores in Morris County the last 6 years, yet Chatham spends significantly
less than the state and county averages per student.
YES! Our school district is a key factor in the desirability of Chatham as a place to live and
raise a family.
YES! Chatham students have achieved outstanding success in academics, the fine arts and
athletics.
YES! The district has committed to add an additional eleven teachers to reduce class sizes
at all grades through reductions in administrative costs and reallocation of teaching
resources.
YES! Chatham continues to offer a diverse and future focused education to help its students
compete in the 21st century.
YES! The district participates in cooperative bidding and purchasing services to contain costs
for energy, transportation, special education and insurance.
| SCHOOL BUDGET ELECTION VOTE YES APRIL 20, 2010 |
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| The ten minutes it takes to vote in the school election is one of the most important things that voters can do to support their community and their children’s education. Our significant loss of state aide, coupled with the mandated cuts forced upon us by the Executive County Superintendent have taken local control out of the hands of our Board of Education, School Administration and the taxpayers of Chatham. The Board of Education has carefully managed its budget to best maintain its programs and meet the needs of its students in the face of these mandated budget cuts and in anticipation of further restrictions from the state next year. We must keep local control of our schools and tax dollars. Chatham knows what’s best for our schools. Show our strength in numbers at the polls to preserve the integrity of the School District of the Chathams. Voter turnout numbers speak louder than words!! What is the cost of Voter apathy?? No Vote, No Voice!! Make your voice heard. Vote Yes on Tuesday, Aprils 20th. 2:00pm-9:00pm CHATHAM HIGH SCHOOL (Township Residents) CHATHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL (Borough Residents) |