Residents can expect slight increase in taxes
The Harrison Township School District’s 2018–19 budget is on the desk of the county superintendent.
The total budget dollar number for 2018–19 is $19,481,619, a $275,936 increase from last year.
For Harrison Township residents, this means a $51.61 annual increase in K-6 school taxes, a 1.98 percent increase from last year. This number is based on the average assessed home value at $341,695. Per $100 of assessed value, this equates to a 1.51 cent increase.
An item of concern for Harrison Township School District is flat state aid.
For the 2017–18 school year, the district received $6,171,027 from the state and will receive exactly that next year.
Harrison is one of only two districts in Gloucester County not receiving further funding for the upcoming school year. The other is Clearview Regional.
“We got zero increase in state aid — us and Clearview,” Robert Scharlè, business administrator and board secretary, said.
“I wrote to Sen. Sweeney on it,” he said, adding he is not pointing the finger at him, but feels the question of “why” needs to be answered.
“It seems a little odd. We aren’t the only ones losing enrollment…There are stories behind everything,” he said.
The main reasons for the increase in taxes are personnel, security and full-day kindergarten beginning in September.
The personnel factor, like each year in every school district, generally deals with salary and benefits.
In terms of safety, the school is exploring different avenues to heighten security.
“We are looking to revise things and upgrade our security,” Scharlè said.
Scharlè mentioned the district is hesitant to discuss potential safety measures to the district’s infrastructure but did say, “You learn from other people.”
Scharlè mentioned both monthly superintendent and business administrators’ roundtable discussions with area districts are a vital source in learning about different security measures to implement.
While referring to school gun violence as a national concern, Scharlè also mentioned security as a whole is a top priority. He cited examples such as family custody issues as something school districts must be cognitive of when considering such measures as lobby guards and background checks before allowing outside persons into a school building.
In addition, of local government and law enforcement, he said, “We have a great working relationship.”
Stating nothing is finalized, Scharlè mentioned Harrison Township School District is interested in utilizing Harrison Township law enforcement rather than outside sources to implement an officer within each school.
More details concerning further law enforcement presence in the schools will be provided when made available.
As of September, Harrison Township School District will offer full-day kindergarten.
Scharlè mentioned Harrison Township School District is one of the last districts in the county to offer this program.
On Jan. 18, state Sens. M. Teresa Ruiz and Shirley K. Turner introduced a bill with a synopsis reading, “Requires full-day kindergarten in all school districts and establishes uniform age requirement for enrollment in kindergarten.”
The bill cleared the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 4–1–1. The bill is now on the desk of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further action.
Scharlè mentioned the district will utilize existing staff to orchestrate the new program.
