$164 Average Tax Increase Approved by School Board

The average homeowner’s school taxes will increase $164, as the Board of Education has approved a $130.4 million tax levy.

The tax levy funds the nearly $141 million 2013-14 budget the board approved Wednesday night by an 8-1 vote. Michael Bubba, in his first term as a trustee, voted against the budget.

Bubba voted no due to $30,000 being budgeted to retain the services of a public relations firm.

“That’s $30,000 that could be put into classrooms,” Bubba said. “Think of how many iPads we could buy with that. My first priority is to the students.”

Some board members shot back at residents they say have been critical of their decisions to raise taxes. They said their priority is the education of the students.

“In talking to people in this town, they are pointing the finger at the nine people up here,” said trustee Donald Pavlak Jr. “Well guess what? I’m raising my taxes too. I’m tired of people thinking nobody up here pays taxes.”

The average homeowner will pay $5,866 in school taxes. The tax levy increased about 2.5 percent from last year.

The budget exceeds the state-mandated 2 percent increase cap by $646,000, most of which, $400,000, is due to increases in health care benefits from the federal Health Care Reform Act. Districts can seek waivers to exceed the 2 percent ceiling.

The board unanimously approved the use of $646,000 to offset benefits increases. The district could have budgeted $2.2 million for such costs, but instead chose to designate the remaining $1.5 million as banked cap money that it can use in the future. 

Several new staff positions will be created and services expanded next year.

New programs for autistic and “multiply disabled” children will be created at a cost of about $136,000. An additional guidance counselor and world studies teacher at Wayne Hills High School, and two “additional” staff members at elementary schools will be hired, the budget shows. Another $160,000 has been budgeted for security upgrades.

“Overall, this budget continues to prepare our students for success,” said Superintendent Ray Gonzalez. “This is a key consideration for everyone in Wayne, since the township's reputation — and the value of our homes — is linked to the quality of our schools.”

— 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.