Next Steps in BOE Budget Process

The Board of Education's vote on Tuesday night to approve the next school budget is not the end of the process. Several steps remain until the budget takes effect.

On April 14, Schools Superintendent Margaret Dolan is planning to host two public presentations on the budget and proposed cuts, along with the four percent tax increase. The morning forum will occur at 10 a.m. in the Edison Intermediate School auditorium and the evening forum will occur at 7:30 p.m. in the Westfield High School cafeteria. Dolan will take questions during the two forums.

The Parent Teacher Council is planning to host budget discussions in the individual school PTOs between now and the vote. The PTC has also indicated other plans to promote passage of the budget.

The budget is expected to be a topic of discussion at the annual BOE candidate forum on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Edison auditorium. BOE President Ginny Leiz, newcomer Mitch Slater, BOE member Richard Solomon and BOE Vice President Julia Walker are facing off for three seats on the board.

The public will have the opportunity to vote on the budget during the annual school election on April 20. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and only registered voters can vote. Last week a voter registration drive was held in Westfield High School to register high school students for the school election.

If the public passes the budget on April 20, it will take effect on July 1 for one year. The BOE reserves the right to make changes to the budget based on revenue changes during the year. Walker has said there is a chance changes could be made based on the changing picture in Trenton.

If the public rejects the budget, action will shift to the Municipal Building, where Mayor Andy Skibitsky and the Town Council will review the budget. The Council will have the ability to cut from the overall budget in a process which will likely include BOE advice. The Council is not bound to accept the advice from board members. The last time the Council reviewed a Westfield school budget was in 2005.

Following a decision by the Council, the budget will be reviewed by state Education Commissioner Bret Schundler who holds the power to make further cuts. Following review by the Council and Schundler, the BOE will finalize the budget, based on the overall cuts made. Additional changes could occur based on additional revenue from state sources.