Stockton School 2006-2007 Proposed Budget

Please Attend our Public Budget Hearing at the School
Thursday, March 30th; 7:00 p.m.

Just the Facts:

Anticipated General Fund $561,932
State Aid = $12,572
Tax Levy = $549,360
Compared to 05-06 Budget 05-06 Actual Budget: $547,496 (Increase of $14,436)
Tax Rate/Impact 2006-07: projected tax rate of 1.22 or $2,030 per average home of $166,433.  (Increase of $150 per average home.)
2005-06 tax rate was 1.13 or $1,880 per average assessed home of $166,433.
Other Interesting Data
  • We are using $27,880 "Banked CAP"- a state calculation of money available, but not used from previous years, that can be used in this year's budget.  We were allowed to use $63,997 for the 2006-07 school year.  Therefore, we are NOT using $-36,117 of this CAP, or allowable funds.
  • We are in the third year of a three-year teacher contract. Contract settlements were negotiated at 3.14%, 3.05%, and 3.94%.
  • We utilize grants and PTO donations to offset educational costs.
  • Health benefits and energy increases have exceeded cost of living CAP allowances.
  • There are no significant new school initiatives built into the 2006-07 budget.  The board plans to replace social studies text for grades 3-5 and may submit a "Bricks and Mortar" grant to the New Jersey Historic Trust for this year's grant cycle.
  • The school year runs from June 30th- July 1st while the local tax levy that comes from municipalities has a calendar from January 1st to December 31st.  Therefore the taxes needed to be raised from one school year are calculated from two calendar years- 1/2 at the previous year's rate and 1/2 at the current year's rate.
Board Members There are two board positions open, each for a three-year term.  Two candidates have filed- James Gallagher (incumbent) and David Shearer.  (Tracy Giannattasio will not be running.)  Click on name or scroll down to read a statement from each of these candidates to be posted on this web.

REMEMBER TO VOTE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 18th, 3-9:00 p.m., at the Stockton Firehouse

Candidate for Election to the Stockton School Board.
Personal Statement 

David Shearer
11 S. Main St.
Stockton, NJ 08559 

            My wife and I relocated to this area from Manhattan in 2000. We have been residents of Stockton since purchasing our home three years ago. I am a teacher and began my career in New York City Public Schools. I am currently employed as a 6th grade classroom teacher in Franklin Township, Somerset County.

             If elected, I hope to bring my experience as an educator, and my perspective as a classroom teacher, to the Stockton Borough School Board. I will work towards continuing to provide the students of Stockton Borough with the highest quality education our parents have come to expect. At the same time I will strive to recognize the challenges that a small town school budget presents. I look forward to the opportunity of serving this community as a member of your School Board.

 

 

 

Incumbent, Jim Gallagher
My name is Jim Gallagher, and I am seeking reelection to Stockton’s Board of Education. As a taxpayer, a local business owner, and a father, I believe that I bring valuable perspectives and experience to the school board.

The Stockton School faces many challenges. State and federal education funding has decreased, while the costs to operate the school—from heating oil to health care—continue to rise. I am proud of the fact that, according to recent newspaper reports, Stockton still has the lowest cost per pupil in the county (Hunterdon County Democrat, February 2, 2006, Page A6).

            Another issue the school board must address in the next three years is maintaining and preserving our extraordinary facility, which last year was chosen for the National Register of Historic Places. The Board is exploring ways to protect our school, so that it can be enjoyed by the next generation of Stockton schoolchildren. I would like to continue to be involved in this effort.

As a board member, I believe the most important goal is making sure that Stockton School will continue to provide a challenging and unique place to learn for our town’s elementary students. I believe education is very important. My company, OTTN Publishing, produces educational books for students and young readers. I have college degrees in English and Secondary Education, and my wife LaNelle is an art teacher at East Amwell Township School.

I think Stockton is a wonderful place in which to live and work. Every citizen has a responsibility to make his or her community a better place, and one way to do that is through involvement in local government. I’d be honored if the people of Stockton reelect me to represent them on the school board. 

Sincerely,
Jim Gallagher
58 South Main Street
(609) 397-6445 (evening) (609) 397-4005 (day)