Because of Less State Aid Mt. Ephraim School Board Cuts Staff and Reduces Spending

They gathered March 22 to hear details of the proposed 2010-11 budget.

School Board members were in executive session for approximately two hours before announcing the cuts that will affect the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Joseph Rafferty said the district was expecting a cut of 5 percent, 10 percent or 15 percent in state aid, but instead the entire budget was reduced by 5 percent.

He said it is the \”responsibility of the school board to ensure fair and efficient education for all children\” and apologized in advance to anyone who will be affected by the cuts.

Rafferty is taking a 3 percent reduction in pay.

Some of the preliminary budget cuts include a freeze on all non-contractual increases, foreign language will only be taught at Kershaw School, and activities such as band, choir and Battle of the Books will be paid by students.

Pre-school will now only be in the mornings for early intervention students, and Kindergarten will be reduced to half days.

Four teacher positions and five paraprofessional positions will be reduced along with one secretary position.

Board members said that it is their responsibility to be efficient with local tax dollars.

School Board President Dominick Cipolone thanked everyone for attending, and stated that the board is trying to do their best in these very difficult times.

The School Election is on Tuesday, April 20.