School Budget Rejected—What Happens Next?

Now that the Cinnaminson Township school budget has , members of township committee and the school board will meet to look for further cuts.

“We’ll have separate meetings to do our due diligence in order to go through the budget with a fine-toothed comb,” said Mayor Kathleen Fitzpatrick.

The $42 million spending plan was defeated by a slim margin Wednesday—22 votes. The budget no reduction to student programs or staff, but did call for a $98 tax increase for the average township homeowner.

Last year, in a time where more than 60 percent of school budgets failed statewide, Cinnaminson was no different, and voters rejected that plan by a large margin—700 votes.

“I anticipate the township committee will realize 22 votes is not a mandate to do anything as drastic as last year,” said Superintendent Salvatore Illuzzi.

Last year, township committee suggested over $1.2 million in cuts.

Fitzpatrick, who will be part of this year’s committee, said they would look to administration first.

“As with any budget, that’s where the bulk of the money is—in administration,” Fitzpatrick said. “We don’t want to affect the students, sports programs or teachers. So, that’s where we would look.”

The budget first goes to Gerry Seneski, township business administrator. After he reviews it, he’ll share it with members of the township committee.

That group meets with Illuzzi, and other school administrators and school board members, to discuss any questions or suggestions to the budget.

“Both sides are trying to get information and come up with the best budget they can,” Illuzzi said.

The first meeting could be held by the end of next week.

Township committee may only suggest where cuts are made. The school board holds final say to accept or reject the suggestions made, and to ultimately make the final cuts.

Fitzpatrick said township committee should vote on approval of their suggestions at the May 16 regular meeting of committee.

“This year, because the budget was very close, and because the increase was significantly less than last year’s, I’m hoping we’ll be able to just make the cuts without cuts to programs,” Fitzpatrick said. “This is just an indication that residents are demanding tax relief anywhere they can get it.”