According to the Lakewood School District’s Interim Assistant Business Administrator Robert Finger, “even if things would stay the same as far as employees and programs, the district can expect a revenue deficit of between $17 -$20 million dollars next year, should the State not fully fund the District pursuant to existing laws and known realities.”

General Counsel Michael Inzelbuch provided TLS with the attached Preliminary Budget Presentation that was viewed by the Board and the public at the last public meeting of the Board. Inzelbuch initially stated that the State has sent 2 State Monitors since 3013 who have stated publicly that “it’s a revenue problem -not a spending problem – yet revenue has not been increased by the State. More loans are Not the answer.”

When asked what the nonpublic community could do, Inzelbuch responded, “The provision of a thorough and efficient education is all of our responsibilities. Strong public schools is generally an indicator of a healthy town both in terms of economics and lifestyles for all its citizens. The inverse, one of a tale of two cities, only exacerbates perceived inequities.”

Inzelbuch pointed out that while many claim that the nonpublic community does not benefit from the public Budget – as many members of the Orthodox community opt not to send their children to Lakewood public schools, Inzelbuch responded, “First, let’s not forget that the tax base of Lakewood is heavily supported by residents who are Orthodox both in terms of private homes and businesses. However, the nonpublic community does benefit from such things as busing and special education.”

Asked if busing cost the District or taxpayer any monies – since the LSTA buses all nonpublic children, Inzelbuch responded, “The LSTA was, and remains, a brilliant idea of local leadership that was passed in to State law by the previous Christie Administration. However, please know, that despite State aide and the existence of the LSTA, every nonpublic child who is entitled to mandated busing costs the District approximately $750 dollars per child. While the per-pupil amount is no different than most districts, however, there is no district that has more than 20,000 students who are not enrolled in the public schools with the per-pupil cost being exacerbated by the sheer volume of students.” (See chart.)

Inzelbuch added, “Lest the naysayers and hatemongers come out of the woodwork, nonpublic children are entitled by State law to mandated busing just as public school kids are.”

As earlier reported, the Lakewood Board of Education will be holding a special meeting this evening to discuss Transportation.