Robbinsville residents will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum question on the Nov. 7 ballot that would allow the school district to raise an additional $4.8 million in tax revenue.
The Robbinville Advance has given Superintendent Brian Betze the opportunity to answer questions on the referendum. His answers appear below.
There is a special question on the November ballot related to school district financing. Can you explain what it is?
Yes, we are asking Robbinsville voters to go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7 to cast ballots on a critical issue affecting the school district. School leaders are seeking approval for $4.8 million in funding, with the primary objective of addressing a deficit in the school budget.
We are not looking to introduce new ventures but to ensure the retention of the outstanding elements that make our school district special. There is also an early voting option from Oct. 28-Nov. 5, as well as mail-in voting, to encourage more voter participation.
How did the school district end up in this financial position?
The Robbinsville Public Schools has not received the adequate amount of aid from the state Department of Education, despite the intervention from state legislators representing our community and from individual residents, who have gone directly to Gov. Phil Murphy’s office to demand our school system is properly funded.
For some reason unbeknownst to us, Robbinsville continually receives less state aid than other Mercer County school districts, forcing us to take this major step to protect the school district’s reputation of excellence.
Can you explain the financial issue?
We are facing a projected $2.1 million shortfall in fixed costs and an additional $2.7 million cut in state aid, amounting to a combined $4.8 million deficit. The public question, if approved by voters, will bridge this financial gap and prevent any adverse impacts on our educational offerings.
By securing additional funding, we can confidently plan for the next two years, knowing that our district’s financial needs are met. Our goals are simple and straightforward: to ensure stability and maintain the high standards of education that our community expects and deserves.
We firmly believe this $4.8 million plan strikes the right balance between addressing our immediate needs and being mindful of the financial burden on our community.
If voters support the referendum, what would the money be used for?
Robbinsville Public Schools prides itself on its exceptional staff, diverse programs, valuable resources, vibrant athletics, and enriching clubs. The proposed funding will allow us to safeguard these vital components, ensuring that our students continue to receive an exceptional, diverse education.
I want to assure you that every dollar allocated from the proposed funding would be used wisely and prudently. Transparency and accountability are the core of our values, and we would keep the community informed about the allocation and use of these funds, if our plan receives voter support.
Approval of this question would bring the district in line with its local fair share, restore recently cut staff and programs, prevent increases in class size, and avoid further loss of programs and activities. These expenditures are in addition to those required to achieve New Jersey Student Learning Standards, as stipulated by the state Department of Education.
What will voters see when they enter the voting booth?
There will be a public question on the ballot, in which voters can simply press “Yes” or “No.” Here is a summary of the language they will see:
“The Robbinsville Board of Education seeks approval from the district’s legal voters to raise an additional $4,824,939 for the 2024/25 school year as permitted under 18A:22-40 for the following purposes:
• Maintain teachers and instructional assistants to maintain class sizes under 25 and to avoid elimination of program(s).
• Allow for purchasing instructional technology devices consistent with the 1:1 initiative and replacing devices at end of life.
• Maintain facilities.
• Maintain curricular offerings including World Languages and restore Middle School and Freshman Sports and High School Clubs and Activities.”
Is there anything else that voters need to know?
Yes. I would very much like to express my appreciation to the Robbinsville Board of Education for its hard work in carefully scrutinizing the financial figures. They went above and beyond to ensure that they made the right choice.
I would also like to express my gratitude for the Robbinsville Education Association, which is working closely with our local seniors to help them apply for the state’s Senior Freeze tax rebate. The teachers are coordinating an event at the senior center as part of the effort, ensuring all eligible seniors participate in the program that provides state-funded reimbursement checks to offset local property taxes.
Support from the Robbinsville community is vital for the success of this public question. We encourage all residents to engage in the process, ask questions, and participate in community discussions. Together, we can ensure the continued success and excellence of the Robbinsville Public Schools.
If you need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Let us unite in our commitment to provide the best possible education for our students and maintain the reputation of Robbinsville Public Schools as a shining example of academic excellence. I appreciate everyone’s time and consideration.
To learn the latest news about the referendum, visit robbinsville.k12.nj.us and click on the “Public Question” tab.
