LINWOOD — The Mainland Regional High School budget for 2022-23 calls for higher taxes in each of its sending districts, with a total tax levy increase of 1.47 percent.
Chief School Administrator Mark Marrone introduced the $30,942,090 spending plan to the Board of Education on April 12, saying the allowable tax levy increase (2 percent) would have boosted the amount to be raised by taxes $380,325, but the district is seeking just $278,698 more from taxpayers. The total tax levy would be $21,702,351.
According to the presentation, Linwood property owners would see their regional school tax rate increase 1.7 cents to 72 cents per $100, Northfield owners would see their rate increase .9 cents to 73.1 cents and Somers Point taxpayers would see their rate increase .6 cents to 74.9 cents. That translates to an increase of $17.47 per $100,000 in Linwood, $9.40 in Northfield and by $5.89 in Somers Point.
Each sending district’s share is calculated annually based on enrollment and other factors, with Linwood contributing 31.2 percent, Northfield 29.47 percent and Somers Point 39.28 percent.
Helping the situation in Linwood and Somers Point is the fact that their total assessed value increased (Linwood up $464,900 to $931071,000, Somers Point up $366,760 to $1,134,603,933). Conversely, Northfield’s ratable base dropped $2,611,100 to $867,036,960.
“Even though district ratables and assessed values in two out of three sending districts have cost increases due to inflation, supply chain delays and the cost of goods and services have also increased, thus negating savings incurred by changes to the assessed valuations and district ratables,” Marrone said.
He said 17 percent of MRHS students live in poverty and are thus eligible for free and reduced-cost lunch. He noted that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch, which most certainly lowered the number of students reported as receiving such meals.
About 19 percent of students are classified as special education, with 27 percent eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch.
Marrone detailed the amount of federal aid and how the district has or plans to spend it. The district spent $2,723,296 on the first lease payment for its one-to-one laptop program and cellular hotspots so students could study remotely during the pandemic, a new HVAC system with air purifiers, mental health counseling, learning acceleration (voluntary summer school) and associated programs.
Total state aid of $8,221,376 is down $108,181.
The Mainland Regional Administrator Association reach agreement on a contract with the board, increasing salaries by 2.75 percent. The Mainland Regional Education Association’s contract expires June 30.
Health care benefits costs are anticipated to increase 2 percent, or $90,000. All staff and faculty now are enrolled in the NJDIRECT15, which Marrone said should lower costs going forward.
Marrone also outlined the costs of special education in the district.
“Mainland Regional recognizes and willingly accepts the responsibility to educate each and every child in the least restrictive environment that supports the best educational and social interest of each and every student under their authority and responsibility,” Marrone said.
Total special education costs, including out-of-district tuition, transportation and staffing, is anticipated at $4,675,417.
No sports or co-curricular activities will be cut. Marrone said the cost to operate the school’s athletic programs will be $914,635 plus another $484,626 to operate the aquatic center, a total increase of $23,021.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
