Tentative School Budget Approved as District Waits on Aid Award

The Board of Education approved the Wayne Public School District’s tentative 2013-14 budget at a meeting Thursday.

The budget, which is still being finalized, includes a $132.2 million tax levy. The average homeowner’s school taxes would increase $205 if the budget were approved.

“If we were to maintain a 2 percent increase cap with the same level of programs, the total cost would exceed the total revenues and we would be looking at shortfall of $2.4 million to maintain the status quo,” said Superintendent Ray Gonzalez.

Budget priorities include supporting professional development to refine the curriculum and implementing a new student information system, and improving the district’s new Parent Portal system.

Other priorities include evaluating the district’s athletics department structure, assessing outsourcing options, which include substitute teachers and transportation. Officials also want to expand the district’s wireless Internet system.

The tentative budget will be sent to the county superintendent of education for review.

The district has yet to find out how much, if any, state aid it will receive. The state is scheduled to inform districts next week. Wayne received $3.8 million last year.

Officials will host another public information session on the budget at Wayne Valley High School on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m.

The board is scheduled to adopt the final budget at a special meeting March 27.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.