Lean budget for High Point rejected by voters

School budget cuts programs, imposes activities fee High Point High School — Despite the fact that High Point Regional high school’s proposed $22,657,702 budget offered good news for residents of Wantage, it was voted down. Because of a decrease in students from that district, they would have paid a lower tax rate toward the high school for next school year. The average homeowner, with an assessed value of $322,500, would pay $486 for 2010-2011, when they paid $512 in 2009-2010. But, none of the other sending districts would see a drop. But, now the budget will go to the municipalities for cutting proposals. Here is what voters rejected: Lafayette, with an average assessed value of $417,267, faced an increase of $22 over last year, with the average homeowner in Lafayette paying $475. Sussex, with an average assessed value of $116,180, also faced an increase of $22 over last year, with the average homeowner in Sussex paying $890. The highest increase would have gone to residents of Branchville, where the average home is worth $294,489, and the owner could expect to pay $613.46, or $25.61 more than last year. The cause for these increases: a $1.135 million loss in state aid. To make up for this loss, the district came up with a budget that was actually $1.3 million less than the previous year, but still raised the overall tax levy by 6.67 percent. The school board made numerous cuts, including the elimination of eight full-time teaching positions and two part-time art and music teachers. There were also two retirements — a custodian and a cafeteria worker — who will not be replaced. Three part-time staff members were laid off. Several programs were axed, including the Debate Club, Interact Club, Model Congress, Science League and the bowling, golf, JV tennis and ski teams. The high school also imposed an annual activity fee. The $50 fee will cover any activities throughout the school year. Budget reductions were also taken throughout the school, in areas from athletic supplies, coaching dues and clinics to production expenses for the school newspaper, literary magazine and spring musical.