Ridgewood BOE Members Spar Over Budget Process, Goal-Setting

One of the most contentious issues to have emerged during the 2012-2013 school year reared its head at the Ridgewood BOE's first meeting of 2013-2014.

A discussion emerged Monday night over whether the board should create a goal to outline multiple budget scenarios to be prepared in the event revenue falls short of projections. Proponents said the goal "elevates" transparency with the public, but opponents argued the measure would interfere with budget crafting. A decision on the goal is expected to be reached at the Sept. 9 meeting.

Board Vice President Vince Loncto sought a specific board goal to identify contingency plans, which would detail what might need to be cut should revenue not meet targets. The plans would specify the implications of such cuts. Jim Morgan and Christina Krauss supported the measure, stating that the board needs to free itself of the public's expectation that taxes will rise 2 percent each budget. 

"It continues to fall on the back of the taxpayer," Krauss said. 

Trustee Michele Lenhard strongly opposed the plan.

According to Lenhard, the board had not had time to digest the implications of the suggested goal offered by Loncto. In her view, the numbers bandied around during the budget process are ever-changing and might mislead the public. 

Lenhard suggested that the finance committee meet behind closed doors and then issue a report on budget options at a board meeting.

"The process you are suggesting is not a healthy process," she said, claiming that four board goals would be a significant strain on staff, a point Morgan disputed. 

Unable to reach a consensus as to the budget goal suggestion, the board approved goals submitted by Superintendent Dan Fishbein (which included reaching 100 percent compliance in teacher and administrator evaluations, lowering the growth of special education costs, reducing energy consumption and submitting a new district strategic plan).

Board goals on additional training for board members as well as a facilities inventory plan were also approved.