By Sophia Gonzalez
Staff Writer
Published March 26, 2008

Superintendent Sylvan Hershey told local officials March 18 that after "a lot of robbing Peter to pay Paul," the school budget tax increase would be slight.

The tentative $8.06 million budget has a 5.1 percent increase from last year’s $7.6 million budget.

The "no frills" budget sets the tax levy at $7.2 million — meaning a 4.3 percent markup from this year’s $6.9 million tax levy.

This translates to an annual increase of $143 to homeowners with an average home assessed at $479,733, not including debt service.

The tax levy would account for a majority of the school’s revenue – 82.6 percent of the total general budget. This is due in part to the new state funding formula, which limits state aid to 5.74 percent of the total general budget.

Hershey said that surprisingly, Northvale ranks high when compared to neighboring districts, with state aid numbering $846 per pupil. Municipalities such as Closter and Old Tappan receive $679 and $775 in state aid, respectively.

"This is the state that has tied our hands," agreed school board member Elise Winans.

According to budget figures, some of the biggest expenditures will go toward regular instruction, special education and maintenance. But the school budget would allow for the addition of 1.5 teachers and new textbooks for grades 3 and 4.

Like other districts, the superintendent also presented a list of ongoing shared service projects to counter the district’s financial pinch.

"If you put the power of 22 districts together you could get some pretty good prices, whereas you’re out there on your own," Hershey said.

The list included shared transportation with Northern Valley Region III schools, professional development at the Northern Valley Curriculum Center and maintenance services shared with the borough’s Department of Public Works.

Local officials who attended the presentation promised to help the school district further its cost-saving efforts.

Seated among council members, Mayor John Hogan said, "We’re willing to share because it all benefits taxpayers."