Cost Per Pupil Expected to Increase Next School Year

The Wayne Public School District is expected to spent $345 more per pupil in 2013-14 than it does currently, according to numbers issued by the district Thursday.

Officials released a copy of the district's per pupil cost for the previous few academic years and what they anticipate spending for the 2013-2014 academic year at the Board of Education's regular meeting.

The district anticipates a 5 percent rise in general enrollment, from 7,192 this year to 7,228 in 2013-14. Special education student enrollment is expected to increase just as much, from 1,236 to 1,303.

Officials are in the process of refining the district's $142 million budget for the 2013-14 school year. The budget includes a $132.2 million tax levy. The average homeowner’s school taxes would increase $205 if the budget (introduced Feb. 22) were approved.

The budget and expected enrollment numbers are tentative, said Juanita Petty, district business administrator. The Passaic County Department of Education will review the numbers and give officials feedback before the board votes to approve the final budget.

A special public hearing on the budget will be held at Wayne Valley High School March 14 at 7 p.m. The board is scheduled to adopt the final budget at a special meeting March 27.

$1,224

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