Upcoming C H School Budget & More Dates

Did you know that school districts and fire districts are the only governmental agencies in New Jersey that must turn to the voters for the approval of their budgets? Budgets for the township, the county, and the state are established and voted on by the citizens` representatives. Pennsylvania allows the school board, but not the community, to vote on the school district budget. Our New Jersey schools have a full system of democratic participation in the budget process. It is most appropriate that schools have more involvement than any other branch of the government—it is an important lesson for our students.

Did you know that, this year, the average New Jersey school district is receiving 41% of its funding from the state, but only about 12% of Cherry Hill`s 2000-2001 budget comes from state funding?

Did you know that, of every dollar spent in Cherry Hill, nearly 65 cents goes directly to the classroom where it can best benefit our students?

With the budget season upon us, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with some information that will help you navigate through the next few months. We are preparing a budget booklet that provides information about the 2001-2002 budget, as well as lots of basic information about how education is funded in our state and how your tax dollars are spent in the Cherry Hill Public Schools. This year, we`ve even included a glossary of terms you`ll hear during budget discussions. In mid-February, these booklets will be available at budget work sessions, at the Malberg Administration Building, in our schools, and on our website.

Key dates to remember are: Tuesday, February 20: Board Work Session. Presentation: The Standards Initiative and the 2001-2002 Budget—Mr. Lorenzetti and Dr. Willon, 7 p.m., Malberg.

Monday, February 26: Last day to submit petitions to run for Board of Education

Tuesday, February 27: Board Action Meeting, 7 p.m. Tentative budget adoption.

Wednesday, March 7: Drawing for ballot positions, 4 p.m., Malberg

Tuesday, March 20: Public hearing and final adoption of budget, 7 pm, Malberg

Wednesday, March 28: Candidates` Forum

Tuesday, April 17: Budget Election—Polls open 7 am-9 pm

If you have any questions about the 2001-2002 budget, please call us in the Public Information Office at 429-5600. Visit the district website at www.cherryhill.k12.nj.us and check out Channel 19 for budget information, including a live call-in show in April. To share budget information with neighbors and friends, consider hosting a budget coffee in your home. Dr. Sherman, Board of Education members, or other school district officials will be available to answer questions. Give us a call to schedule a budget coffee.

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Author: Gail Cohen & Susan Bastnagel Cherry Hill Conection