It is well accepted that the student academic performance of WW-P ranks it among the top-performing districts in the state. What is less appreciated is the fact that the financial performance of WW-P is equally impressive and ranks it among the top in the state, as well.
The strong academic success of WW-P students is confirmed by external rankings such as AP tests, ACT/SAT scores, NJ state assessments, and other independent rankings. Most residents are rightly proud and grateful for that success and renown.
Let us now take a look at the financial performance of WW-P using available external measurements.
WW-P was the first K-12 district in New Jersey to receive an AAA bond rating — saving taxpayers significant amounts on interest costs. For the last three years, we have received the ASBO (Association of School Business Officials) certificate of excellence in financial reporting.
In January, the Trenton Times published a story outlining the property tax impact of various entities in towns within Mercer County. The story showed that compared to any other level of government –– but especially those which rely primarily on property taxes –– the WW-P school district has been the most successful at reining in costs. Over the last 10 years, the school portion of property taxes in West Windsor increased by only 24 percent, or 2.17 percent annually — the third lowest increase in the county. The performance is impressive when you consider that over this time period, enrollment in the district increased by over 1,000 students and the period includes only one year of the 2 percent budget cap. In an era of greatly increasing health benefit, energy and other costs, we have held the growth of the budget to a figure lower than inflation plus enrollment, over a 10-year period, a goal specifically set by the school board many years ago. Let us also take a look at the New Jersey comparative spending guide for 2009-’10 school year (the latest data available) for comparison information about actual spending by school districts.
According to the state’s figures, WW-P once again had the second lowest spending per pupil in Mercer County. Our spending of $12,388 per student is $2,258 less than Hopewell Valley Regional ($14,648) and $4,477 less than Princeton Regional ($16,865), which are two other high-performing districts in the Mercer County. Unquestionably the taxpayers and parents of West Windsor and Plainsboro receive value for their investment in education.
The data illustrate that WW-P not only spends money wisely but that WW-P spends it in areas that directly affect students. We have a higher percentage of costs devoted to instruction than any other neighboring district. For example, we have one administrator per 217 students. By comparison, the closest Mercer County district is Hamilton with 202 students per administrator while everyone else is well below 175 students per administrator. We would have to increase our administrative staffing by 25 percent just to catch up with county average.
Finally, let’s look at the actual budget figures for WW-P for the last five years, as illustrated in the table above. The Board of Education and administration are very aware of the financial challenges facing community members. The total spending by the district during the last three budgets increased by 1.6, 0, and 1.4 percent, respectively, giving an annual increase in spending of less than 1 percent –– with no one-year gimmicks or deficit spending.
Second, in spite of the low budget increases, the school district has returned $25 million to the taxpayers over the last five years. Third, the district gets less than 25 percent of the state aid to which we are entitled (under the formula determined by the Department of Education in 2008). The loss of state aid means district taxpayers pay more than their fair share through property taxes, and don’t receive fair share of state education spending. In effect the district is compelled to collect more than it should and pass it on to the state in the form of reduced aid.
By all external measurements, WW-P stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Board and the administration have done a remarkable job in keeping expenses under control in spite of increasing enrollment and reduced state aid while continuing to ensure students have an excellent education.
Community members elect Board members. All nine members take this job very seriously and make every effort to represent the interests of all residents. In the coming weeks, we will present a budget for 2012-’13 that balances many competing interests and best represents our community values. We encourage every member of the community to participate in the budget process. We pledge to finalize a budget that merits the community’s support.
Anthony Fleres, Chairman, Finance Committee
Richard Kaye, Chairman, Curriculum and Instruction Committee
Robert Johnson, Vice President, Chairman Administration and Facilities Committee
Hemant Marathe, President, WW-P school Board
The letter represents our individual opinions and is not written on behalf of the school board.
