The school district is asking voters to approve a tax increase to replenish reserves and preserve programs.
Turnout was low but passions were high Thursday in Lopatcong Township as school officials held one final informational meeting about a $600,000 question that goes to voters on Tuesday.
Some in the audience of about 30 questioned the need for the requested tax increase, while others lamented the possible repercussions if it doesn't pass.
The district's elementary school and middle school serve 874 students.
Here's a referendum refresher for township residents before Tuesday's vote:
1. What is the district asking for?
The Lopatcong Township School District wants to raise an additional $600,000 in taxes for the 2016-17 school year. The ballot question, as required, lists specific uses for the money: it will maintain seven general and special education teaching positions, a music teacher and be used to replenish depleted reserves. If approved, the increase would be permanent.
2. Why is it needed?
The township school district has drained its reserves as it tried to cover rising costs of sending students to Phillipsburg High School. Administrators and board members have said the tuition increase -- more than 200 percent in eight years -- is due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of aid from the state, a 2 percent annual cap on budget increases and Phillipsburg's own needs. The cap is insufficient to cover the rising costs, officials said, forcing Lopatcong to cover the costs with cuts to staff and programs. Lopatcong ran a $325,000 deficit in the 2014-15 school year as its reserves were depleted and it tried to maintain programs, leaving no recourse for emergencies, according to the district's presentations.
The elementary school band program will be scaled back, among other things, if a referendum asking Lopatcong Township voters for a $600,000 tax levy increase fails: A music teacher, along with seven other regular or special education teaching positions, would be cut. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo)3. What happens if it passes?
Lopatcong will be able to retain eight teaching positions and programs, maintain class size and add to its fund balance next year, district officials have said. The average household -- which, in Lopatcong, is valued at $231,601 -- will pay about $161 more for the year, or about $13 a month. However, the district still plans to cut four to seven unspecified teaching positions and an administrator, estimated to save some $350,000.
4. What happens if it fails?
Without the $600,000, the district has said it will cut the eight positions specified in the referendum -- in addition to the other planned staff reductions -- and increase class size. The elementary school band and gifted and talented programs will not be eliminated, officials said, but they will be scaled back as educators take on more duties, which will impact other educational offerings.
5. Where can I find out more?
The district has presentations and fact sheets that spell out the budget figures on its website, www.lopatcongschool.org. If you don't know where to cast your vote on Tuesday, the New Jersey Department of State website can provide your polling place and other voting-related information.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.