From Budget Retreat to Budget Adoption
The Somerset Hills Board of Education members met on Saturday, March 9, 2024 for a three hour Budget Retreat where Dr. Brian Brotschul, Superintendent of Schools, presented an overview of the tentative budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. Providing information in the areas of Curriculum & Instruction, Facilities & Operations, and Student Services were SHSD Administrative team members Dr. Coleen Butler, Jinnee DeMarco and Jamie Koransky. The full Board was in attendance, asking purposeful questions to gain clarification and gather details. The retreat’s focus was on demonstrating how the budget supports district goals, with an eye on the upcoming school year, as well as looking ahead according to the strategic plan. Robert Baker, Finance Chair stated, “This was our first budget retreat in all of my 16 years as a member of the Board of Education. It was a great way for all Board members to fully understand the complexities of the budget process and ask probing questions. I'm sure this will become an annual event.” Added Samantha Frenda, Board President, “Our inaugural budget retreat was a wonderful representation of the priorities and goals we have established for the Somerset Hills school community. Over the course of the last five years, I have never been more prepared or enthusiastic going into a proposed budget vote. It created such a sense of accomplishment, pride, and excitement over where the district is headed, and most importantly, what a well-balanced educational experience we are able to provide for our students.”
At the March 13th Board of Education Meeting, the Board adopted the tentative budget unanimously. Following a review of that tentative FY25 budget by the NJ Department of Education, a Budget Hearing will commence at the April 24th Board of Education Meeting which, like the Budget Retreat, is open to the public. It will be held in the Community Room at Bernards High School at 7:30pm.
While the community is invited to review the Budget Retreat and Board Meeting presentations on the district website, a sampling of the tentative budget highlights include the following: maintaining a tax increase not to exceed 2% on the levy; maintaining all current staff positions, with additions including Kindergarten teacher, elementary Bilingual teacher, Language & Learning Disabilities teacher, IT-Webmaster, and Central Registrar; supporting professional development; enhancing safety and security measures with a third Special Law Enforcement Officer in partnership with the Bernardsville Police Department; increasing transportation to cover hazardous routes for 120 additional Bernardsville students; and investing in our facilities with the following: cell booster at Bedwell; stage lights installation in the Performing Arts Center; BHS lower fields renovation; custodial equipment purchases; and the BHS track renovation.
Dr. Brotschul shared, “The FY25 budget allows the District to be nimble and respond to student needs across all of our campuses. Additionally, the spending plan maximizes efficiency while providing enhanced services in operations, communications, transportation, professional development, and curriculum design while minimizing the burden placed on the community. Students and staff are at the forefront of our priorities in order to place them in the position to be successful. With that said, we are able to answer yes, enthusiastically, when we ask if this budget is good for kids. And, for that,I am most grateful to the Board of Education, administration, faculty and staff for supporting this great District and the taxpayers for appreciating the value the District adds to the Somerset Hills.”