Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about the about the Denville Township K-8 2008-2009 budget
If you've got a question that isn't answered here, please contact us at ask@VoteYESforDenville.com
- When is the vote for the school budget for 2008-2009?
- What do we know about the proposed budget for the 2008-2009 school year?
- How much will our taxes go up?
- What happens if voters do not approve the school budget?
- What is the average class size in our schools? How does it compare to state guidelines?
- Does class size matter? Does it improve student performance?
- Do we believe that small class sizes are important in Denville schools?
- How does the state define an “un-housed” student?
- Why should we approve an increase in the school budget and a referendum for a new middle school later this year?
- What should I do?
1. When is the vote for the school budget for 2008-2009?
The vote is on Tuesday, April 15.
This budget covers the cost of teachers, programs and running our schools next year.
It does not include the proposed new middle school, which is planned for a referendum. The date for the referendum vote is still being finalized. If your schedule makes it hard to vote, you can vote by mail by using an absentee ballot.
2. What do we know about the proposed budget for the 2008-2009 school year?
The proposed budget will help us:
- Maintain educational standards
- Add new teachers based on increases in student populations in certain grade levels
- Maintain reasonable class sizes based on district policies
- Expand comprehensive literacy programs to fourth and fifth grades, including guided reading programs tailored to the skills of our individual students
- Add two new math programs for all students K-8
- Pay for increasing costs
- Like homes and businesses, we must pay for the increasing costs of energy, employee benefits, etc.
- Student transportation accounts for about $2 million in spending annually
- We must invest a minimum in capital improvements to maintain existing facilities
In my opinion Denville has limited school spending over the years and has been doing ‘more with less.’ With employee pensions, the State is again shifting more financial responsibilities on our local community. At the same time, the State is limiting our annual school budget increases. In this challenging environment, the proposed budget balances responsible spending while addressing growing class sizes and providing the children of Denville with the education they deserve.
Seth Yen Johnson
Chair of the Finance Committee and Member of the Denville Board of Education
3. How much will our taxes go up?
A Denville education represents a tremendous value. We have virtually the lowest cost per student, virtually the lowest teacher salaries, and the absolute lowest administrative cost per student among 13 K-8 districts in Morris County. Maintaining this educational system has obvious benefits for our children, our property values and our community.
Click here for specifics on the tax effect of the 2008-2009 K-8 budget.
4. What happens if voters do not approve the school budget?
If voters do not approve the school budget, the Township Council will determine the level of spending for the 2008-2009 school year. This will likely result in budgets cuts and the elimination or reduction of existing or planned educational programs and services. In the 2004-2005 school year, the Township Council cut the school budget by $500,000, which led to a reduction in programs and capital expenses, and the elimination of courtesy busing for students living within two miles of their schools.
5. What is the average class size in our schools? How does it compare to state guidelines?
Here’s a representative sample of average class sizes for the current school year, compared to state recommendations:
| School | Grade Level | Avg. Class Size 2007-08 | State Rec. |
| Riverview | First Grade | 23 - 24 |
20 |
| Lakeview | Third Grade | 25 |
20 |
| Valleyview | Sixth Grade | 25 |
21 |
6. Does class size matter? Does it improve student performance?
Project STAR (The Student / Teacher Achievement Ratio Study) – a large-scale, four-year, longitudinal, experimental study of reduced class size – found that students assigned to smaller classes performed better than students in larger classes on achievement tests in all subject areas. Children in smaller classes also took greater initiative in class, exerted more effort in learning activities, and displayed less disruptive, inattentive and withdrawn behavior.1 The researchers concluded that the ideal class size is 20 students or less. This study has been called “one of the most important educational investigations ever carried out.” 2
1. “Class Size: What’s the Best Fit?” National Institute for Early Education Research, Dec. 2004.
2. The Future of Children: Critical Issues for Children and Youths, 5(2), p. 113-127.
7. Do we believe that small class sizes are important in Denville schools?
Yes. Our schools follow state recommendations as closely as possible. Parents in the community also believe strongly in the benefits of smaller class sizes. In a survey of Denville residents conducted in November 2005 as part of our long-term educational plan, virtually all parents – 88 percent – wanted to see elementary classes with fewer than 22 students. As a community, we asked for small class sizes. Now we need to follow through and vote YES for a budget that makes this possible.
8. How does the state define an “un-housed” student?
The state has a formula for evaluating the square footage of teaching space available for students. Based on this formula, 400 children – approximately 20 percent of our student population – are un-housed and receive instruction in sub-standard space. This is happening today. What does this look like?
- Trailers: We completed the addition to Lakeview School in 2001, and the space was filled to capacity the day it opened. In 2005, we added trailers to Lakeview and Riverview Schools, and in 2006 we added trailers to Valleyview School. The lifespan on these trailers is five years according to the state, and each year we must appeal for a waiver to extend the use of these facilities. We cannot use them indefinitely.
- Class on a cart: Some teachers are working from a cart and sharing classroom space. Not having a “home base” negatively impacts their ability to maximize use of the classrooms and time spent with students. The prospect of teaching from a cart also impacts our ability to attract and motivate talented teachers.
- Partitioned rooms and libraries: To accommodate small group educational programs next year, we will need to divide Lakeview and Riverview libraries with partitions. This creates more sub-standard space and reduces access to an important asset for all students.
- Common Facilities: Our gymnasiums, cafeterias, multi-purpose rooms and hallways can not accommodate our current school community.
9. Why should we approve an increase in the school budget and a referendum for a new middle school later this year?
The 2008-2009 budget covers the cost of operating our school system. A Denville education represents a tremendous value. We have virtually the lowest cost per student, virtually the lowest teacher salaries, and the absolute lowest administrative cost per student among 13 K-8 districts in Morris County. Maintaining this educational system has obvious benefits for our children, our property values and our community.
The referendum for the new middle school addresses severe overcrowding and sub-standard teaching conditions that threaten the quality of our schools and community. It is the result of a two-year process that has involved more than 100 members of the community, teachers, students, administrators and Board members. The time is long overdue to address these problems and ensure a bright future for our community.
10. What should I do?
The Long-Range Educational Plan approved by the Board of Education in 2006 provides useful advice:
“Ultimately, it will be up to the Board of Education to follow through with recommendations from the Long-Rage Educational Plan approved in December 2006. It will be up to the community to keep informed and determine what will and what won’t be acceptable for their children and their future. It is clearly a challenge and a call to action. It is also an opportunity.”
Please, DO NOT MISS this opportunity to strengthen our children, our schools, our property values and our community. Get involved. Learn the facts. Vote YES for the school budget!