CODE: 3100
SECTION: BUSINESS AND NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS
BUDGET PLANNING, PREPARATION, AND ADOPTION
The annual school budget is the financial reflection of the educational plan for the West Milford School District. The budget shall be designed to carry out that plan in a thorough and efficient manner and to maintain the facilities and honor the obligations of the district. The budget shall be in accord with the laws and regulations of the Federal Government, the State Legislature, the State Board of Education, and the Board of Education.
The budget shall provide sufficient resources for curriculum and instruction designed and delivered in such a way that all students will have the opportunity to achieve the knowledge and skills defined by the core curriculum content standards.
In reviewing budget proposals, the West Milford Board of Education will consider priorities to be accomplished during the subsequent year, based on the needs identified through the district’s planning process. The budget shall be prepared on forms prescribed by the Commissioner of Education. The budget should be considered critically by each Board member during its preparation.
In order to ensure adequate time for the preparation and review of the proposed budget, the Board directs the Superintendent of Schools, through consultation with the Finance Committee and review by the Board, to develop a schedule of events associated with the presentation and adoption of the budget. The Superintendent shall confer with and utilize principals, supervisors, department heads, Board committees, and other district personnel, as necessary, in the preparation of the tentative school budget.
A. Budget Planning and Preparation
1. Prior to the adoption of the tentative budget, the Board shall study the school program in its relation to the present and future needs of the students and the community. In an effort to make the budget a comprehensive reflection of the financial needs of the school program, steps shall be taken to involve the administrative staff in the development process. Interested citizens and citizen groups are encouraged to submit their recommendations to the Superintendent's Office. The procedure for the involvement of such representatives shall be developed by the Superintendent and implemented by designated Board Office staff.
2. Designated Board Office staff, with the assistance of building principals, shall prepare a list of new staff needs for the next fiscal year, not later than mid-October of each year.
3. Each principal shall, with the assistance of supervisors of curriculum and staff, prepare an estimate of their needs and submit the estimate to the Superintendent or designated Board Office staff not later than mid-October of each year.
4. Designated Board Office staff shall prepare budgetary estimates in the area of fixed charges (pension, social security, insurance, rentals, and tuition) and fixed charges (redemption of bonds and interest). A financial data sheet showing balances available and the amount of State and Federal aid anticipated shall also be prepared.
5. Supervisors of Transportation, Food Services, and Maintenance areas shall submit an estimate of needs to the Superintendent or designated Board Office staff not later than mid-November of each year.
B. Budget Presentation
1. The Superintendent, in consultation with the Finance Committee and review by the full Board, shall provide the Board with a schedule for the presentation of the tentative budget for the following fiscal year.
2. The tentative budget for the school year shall be adopted by the Board on or before the date fixed under the laws and regulations.
3. Proposed expenditures shall be categorized under major headings as prescribed by State Department of Education regulations and in a manner which will accurately describe the purposes for which such monies are to be spent.
C. Public Review and Adoption
1. The date, place, and time of the public hearing on the budget shall be fixed by the Board and will be held at least seven (7) days prior to adoption.
2. Notice of such hearing shall be advertised at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing.
3. The Board shall adopt the budget for the next fiscal year in accordance with State statutes and present the amounts to be raised by taxation to the voters at the annual school election.
D. Publication of Budget
1. The annual budget proposal, once adopted, represents the position of the Board; and all reasonable means shall be employed by the Board to present and explain that position to community residents and taxpayers.
2. The proposed budget, as accepted by this Board, shall be set forth in detail, using the form prescribed by the State Department of Education and shall be made available to the public.
3. A brochure may be published to explain the annual school budget and shall be distributed to district taxpayers if the Board deems it necessary.
4. The brochure should include:
a. A summary of the proposed expenditures and anticipated revenues.
b. General information to enable district taxpayers to understand the proposed budget better; for example, present and project school enrollments, costs to taxpayers, State aid, and teachers' salaries.
c. An explanation of material changes in the budget.
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000