Gloucester City School Budget Will Increase Local Taxes

Superintendent Paul Spaventa said that $2.2 million was cut from the original budget, including $901,000 from the district’s technology budget and $489,000 in employee salaries and benefits. Eight employees were \”lost\” due to retirement, resignation or a non-renewed contract.

Spaventa noted that while eight people were \”cut,\”, no positions were lost as existing employees were shifted to fill the vacancies.

He complimented district administrators for going over their respective budgets and finding areas where money could be saved.

Board members praised Spaventa and his administrative team for their hard work on the budget, which resulted in a \”minimal\” tax increase with no lost programs, even in the midst of very challenging financial times.

Residents will cast their votes on the budget during the annual School Election April 20 from 2 to 9 p.m.

In other business, Board members voted to change next year’s school calendar to abbreviate Spring Break.

In 2011, students will be off on Good Friday, Easter Monday and Tuesday, and will return to school on Wednesday.

The Board’s reorganization meeting will be Thursday, April 29, at 7 p.m.

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 4, at 7 p.m. Both meetings will take place in the Gloucester High School Media Center.

source Gloucester City News