Dr. Crystal Edwards, Superintendent, presented Lawrence Township Public School’s 2016-2017 proposed budget during Wednesday night’s hearing. If approved, the $70,933,554 budget will reflect a $2.4 million expenditure increase and a 2.74% tax increase from last year. Employee salaries and benefits represent the majority (78%) of the total budget.
Acknowledging the public’s reluctance to see costs increase, yet affirming the district’s commitment to the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan Goals, Edwards spoke about her objection to cutting staff salaries. This, she said, “would sacrifice some of the quality.” She did however, point to efforts being made to find more competitive healthcare bids as part of staff benefits, more seriously scrutinize energy consumption and transportation efficiencies, refinance debt, generate revenue through building use, and look into funding through grants.
Discussion of the budget will continue during the Board of Education’s next meeting on May 11. At this time, the board will also interview interested candidates to fill the vacancy left by Glenn Collins. Resumes and letters of interest from the public are welcome through May 3rd. Correspondence should be sent to Business Administrator/Board Secretary, Thomas Eldridge, ([email protected]).
