Town seeks public's input on defeated school budget

OLD BRIDGE - Township officials are seeking input from members of the public during two upcoming meetings on the defeated school budget.

A committee formed by the Township Council to review the school budget has planned the meetings for an upcoming weeknight as well as a weekend afternoon to accommodate residents' schedules. They will be held May 8 from 7 to 9 p.m., and May 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the municipal complex, One Old Bridge Plaza.

Council President Patrick Gillespie said officials are making a special effort to get the public involved in the budget review process this year. He said the council would also be working with school administrators to get further information about the budget.

The Board of Education's proposed 2007-08 was defeated in the April 17 school election by a vote of 1,361 to 1,152. The $122.8 million package carries an average $156 tax hike.

The Township Council has until May 21 to present its decision to the school board. If the council orders a cut, the school board can accept that figure and make the necessary budget reductions, or appeal the matter to the state Department of Education.