Ad Populos, Non Aditus, Pervenimus Published Every Thursday Since September 3, 1890 (908) 232-4407 USPS 680020 Thursday, March 8, 2007 OUR 117th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 10-2007 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J. www.goleader.com
[email protected] SIXTY CENTS Westfield Board of Ed. Considers $78-Mil. Budget, Tax Increase Limits By MARYELLEN PALERMO Business Administrator Robert He said the increase remains low with- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader Berman provided assistance, explain- out compromising the program. WESTFIELD – The board of edu- ing the numbers of the budget that has Superintendent of Schools Will- cation on Tuesday night reviewed been revised from $78,232,188 to iam Foley said Westfield High School budget options amounting to more $78,341,332. As such, it reflects a tax has not changed the number of train- than $78 million for the 2007-2008 increase of about 3.5 percent over last ers to facilitate the athletic depart- academic year. A new state law re- year, he said. ment and, due to the large number of stricts school boards from increasing Board member Richard Solomon student athletes, he recommended taxes by more than 4 percent. responded to Ms. Cassie’s concerns hiring a part-time athletic trainer con- “The state has been so focused on by saying that the state budget cap tracted on an hourly pay rate for fall property tax relief,” said board mem- allows an increase of 15 cents per and spring seasons. ber Beth Cassie. She said $180,000 $100 of assessed valuation, while the Mr.