Additional State Aid Results in Lower Proposed Tax Levy in School Budget

The Ocean City School District intends to pass on some of the money it received from the state to the taxpayers.

The district received a slight increase in state funding over last year, receiving an extra $414,580 for a total of $3,766,449 in state aid. Last year’s aid was $3,351,869.

Some of that extra money allows the school district to lower the tax levy in the general fund to 1.5 percent. The increase for the average Ocean City home assessed at $500,000 will see an increase of $14.51 out of the general fund.

When debt service of of 0.35 percent is factored in, the total increase is 1.85 percent

An additional $32,600 was allocated to reduce the general fund tax levy, reducing the total amount from $21,997,901 to $21,965,301.

The district saw increased aid in two areas, according to a presentation Board Secretary Pat Yacovelli made to the Board of Education and the public at Wednesday night’s meeting at the high school.

School choice aid is up $387,100, and “other state aid” increased by $27,480. Funding for transportation, special education and security remained flat.

Other state aid consists of $13,740 in per student growth, at $20 a student, and $13,740 in PARCC readiness aid.

“I don’t know exactly where that’s going, but I believe we’ll be told there’s certain materials we’ll be told to purchase (for PARCC readiness),” Yacovelli said. “It’s an increase, but I think all that money is going to be allocated.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Taylor believes that money will go toward new keyboards, headphones and other computer materials needed for the district.

In addition to the tax levy reductions, Yacovelli’s presentation included funding allocated in the areas listed below. The public hearing and budget adoption is scheduled for April 30.

For Students: $162,000

·      K-5 Leveled Classrooms for the  Primary School and Intermediate School: $37,000

·      Wrestling Mat at the Intermediate School: $5,000

·      New Band Uniforms for the High School: $55,000

·      PARCC Testing Materials/Equipment: $30,000

·      Drug Prevention Program District-wide: $35,000

For classrooms: $106,980

·      20 FM Systems for the Primary School and Intermediate School: $30,000

·      100 Chromebooks or Windows 8 Laptops for Grades 6-8: $40,000

·      10 Epson Projectors and Boards at the High School: $36,980

For Facilities and Operations: $113,000

·      New scoreboard for the Intermediate School: $6,000

·      Repairs to Underground Sewer Line at the Intermediate School: $78,000

·      Pick-up Truck With Snow Plow: $29,000