Dear Collingswood Community,
We write to share an important update about school funding that directly affects our students, staff, and community.
This year, Collingswood Public Schools faced a $3.6 million budget shortfall because the cost of running our schools continues to rise faster than the limited funding we are allowed to raise under state law. At the same time, the state has calculated that we are $6.4 million below what we should be receiving to meet student needs.
At the end of March, the Board of Education was cautiously optimistic when the NJ Department of Education informed the District that we qualified for the Tax Levy Incentive Aid Program, which would let us raise additional local funding to help close this $6.4 million gap and avoid painful cuts. This funding would help us:
● Avoid laying off staff and closing an elementary school
● Keep extracurriculars affordable and accessible
● Sustain critical programs like our Middle and High School Wellness Center
However, just one week before the Board was required to finalize our budget, the state approved only part of our request, without explaining in advance what would or would not be funded. They denied funding for athletics, clerical and maintenance staff, and support for the Wellness Center, despite the fact that these are essential to our schools and students.
Even with partial approval, there is an impact on local taxpayers. Because the Board voted to use the Tax Levy Incentive Aid Program to raise additional revenue, the average assessed home in Collingswood will see an increase in taxes of $92.47 per month, or $1,109.64 per year. The Board recognizes the impact this has on our community, and we want to express our gratitude to the local taxpayers for stepping up to fund our schools. This additional funding allows the District to avoid layoffs, the closure of an elementary school, and further cuts for the upcoming school year.
Though we are grateful for the state’s approval of this additional revenue, the Board is acutely aware that the state’s denial of additional revenue to fund athletics, the Wellness Center, and more means that the District’s budget is still not fully funded. Without full funding, the District is limited in its ability to plan responsibly for the future and support the programs and staff that make Collingswood schools strong, and the Board is left with difficult budgetary choices that could impact students and staff alike down the road.
If you would like to learn more about the financial situation in our district, please join us at our monthly Board Roundtable tonight, May 8, from 6:30-7:45 pm in the Collingswood Library Community Room.
The Board remains committed to fighting for the funding our students deserve, and we thank you for your continued support and advocacy as we work to protect and strengthen our schools.
Sincerely,
Collingswood Board of Education