FAIRFIELD, NJ -- Fairfield voters in November’s election will vote on three spending proposals that could reinstate programs and staff that were cut in September due to lack of funds in the 2023-24 school budget.
If all three proposals are passed, the average homeowner will pay an additional $43.39 a month in taxes.
“If these proposals are not voted in by Fairfield voters, the education of Fairfield children will suffer,” said Frank LaMorte, a concerned parent.
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Tyler Masterson, another concerned parent, told TAPinto West Essex, “I dropped off my ballot today and left with knots in my stomach, in fear that members of this community do not understand and recognize the dire need the school district is in, and how crucial it is for our residents to pass the three budget proposals on the ballot. The school district is at a tipping point.”
The school board said that these proposals must pass for the betterment of the students. At a previous Fairfield Board of Education (FBOE) meeting, board member Anthony DePascale said an outreach committee was formed to push the message. The FBOE is not legally allowed to do this. They are relying on the outreach committee, Fairfield Education Foundation, and the Fairfield Home and School Association.
LaMorte is on this outreach committee. He explained the board selected a few parents and HSA members to get the word out to the community about the FBOE and what is going on with the schools and Board.
The FBOE adopted its 2023-2024 budget, but in order to maintain the state mandated 2 percent cap, the new budget includes a reduction in staff and program cuts.
Some of the cuts being made include the termination of two general education teachers, one special education teacher and one library media specialist position. As of now, the budget does not include continuing the instrumental band and orchestra programs for grades 4-6 or before and after school clubs in both schools. Field trips for grades K-6 are not in the budget, and some lunch aide positions have not been restored, along with an occupational therapist assistant position.
The first proposal would raise an additional $930,008 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively to reduce general education class size in grades K through 6; reduce special education class size; reinstate the media program for grades K through 6; continue the instrumental band and orchestra program for grade 4 through 6; employ two part-time district registered nurses; employ a full-time technology/network administrator; reinstate before/after school clubs in Adlai E. Stevenson School and Winston S. Churchill School; expand district-wide security; add a full-time custodian; add a full-time speech teacher. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. The proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve New Jersey Student Learning Standards. If passed, this proposal will cost the average homeowner $19.44 a month.
The second proposal for additional funds would raise an additional $235,916 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively to increase classroom supplies; purchase new computers and technology at Winston S. Churchill School; purchase of digital software; restore field trips for grades K through 6; restore seven lunch aide positions; restore the occupational therapist assistant. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. The proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve New Jersey Student Learning Standards, and if passed, this second proposal will cost the average homeowner $9.88 a month.
The third proposal would raise an additional $540,000 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively for employment and/or contracting of bus aides. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. The proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve New Jersey Student Learning Standards. This third proposal will cost the average homeowner $14.07 a month.
Masterson described the situation saying that over the last several years conditions have changed. The fifth-graders were moved out of the school building and into trailers, and the district cut courtesy busing. She said, “These were changes we could see. There have been many more detrimental changes over the last year that aren’t so obvious, but they are starting to compound, and it’s adding up. Our amazing teachers and staff have done all they can to make do, but many lessons and students are starting to fall through the cracks. How can we turn it around and start to improve?” The answer is first by voting on the ballot questions. This will restore the positions and programs we had in place last year, but more importantly, it will prevent further devastating cuts, which are inevitable if the budget doesn’t pass.”
LaMorte stated, “The teachers and administrators in Fairfield have voiced many concerns about the loss of funding for various programs and challenges with reductions in staff. Without the passing of at least ballot questions 1 and 2, I feel this will negatively impact students’ overall educational experience and achievement levels. This can be a red flag for parents researching schools in our area and a direct impact on our property values.”
Realtor Janice Corsilli said, “One of the reasons our family moved to Fairfield was because of its excellent school system. If the school system continues to eliminate programs and teachers, it could affect the value of the town and the real estate values.”
Masterson stated, “The school district is the cornerstone of our community and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future prosperity of our town. The decisions we make today will not only shape the school, but also the town for years to come. The teachers and staff cannot put any more band-aids over obvious gaps. Please do not let complacency lead us down a path where we look back five years from now, when the picture is even more grim, still asking, 'How did we get here?'"
Parents have asked residents to take the time to watch the video titled Stevenson’s Coffee with the principal. In the video, several teachers share the negative impacts the students are facing today as a result of the budget cuts. It can be found on Dr. Trabucco’s website. Trabucco is the principal of Adlai Stevenson School.
Parents are asking, if anyone has parents or family members who live in town, retired/senior neighbors or young parents with pre-school children, to share this information with them and start the conversation.
There are other residents in town who are rejecting these proposals because they feel they are being penalized because of decisions made by the superintendent and FBOE