Why Vote YES?
Find out why you should vote YES on April 15
A YES vote on April 15….is a YES vote for the
2008-2009 K-8 Annual Operating Budget
The Middle School Referendum vote is NOT until September
Each and every YES vote – including yours – is needed to approve the budget and maintain the quality of education in Denville.
The proposed budget will help us:
Maintain educational standards
- Add new teachers based on increases in student populations in certain grade levels
- Address the issue of growing class sizes
- 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 to address flagging test scores
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
The proposed budget is a “win” for Denville and its schools
But it’s becoming more difficult to sustain our quality of education because:
Denville spends less per student than virtually every K-8 district in Morris County
| District Per Pupil Cost | |
| Rockaway Twp. | $13,184 |
| Mendham Twp. | $12,975 |
| Netcong | $12,781 |
| Wharton | $12,432 |
| Florham Park | $12,389 |
| Hanover | $12,310 |
| Chester | $11,921 |
| East Hanover | $11,868 |
| Mendham Boro. | $11,589 |
| Washington Twp. | $10,937 |
| Long Hill | $10,549 |
| Denville | $9,537 |
| Rockaway Boro | $9,525 |
- Denville’s median faculty salary is less than virtually every K-8 district in Morris County
This creates a competitive disadvantage in educating students, developing curriculum and programs, and attracting teachers
- Children in neighboring towns benefit from up to $3,600 more in spending per student
State budgeting regulations and mandates cap our budget increases at 4%
- That means this disadvantage will grow over time
Spending data updated April 7, 2008
For a child entering Kindergarten today, by 8th grade that $3,600 gap will have increased to nearly $5,000
If voters do not approve the school budget:
The Denville Township Council determines the level of spending for the 2008-2009 school year
- For example, for the 2004-2005 school year, the Township Council cut the school budget by $500,000 and recommended cuts to educational programs and capital expenses.
This led to the elimination of courtesy busing for students living within two miles of their schools
Ultimately a good school system is an integral part of any community.
Denville is a family town.
People move here to raise their families; people stay here to raise their families.
Let’s keep our community strong!
Vote YES on April 15th.