East Windsor Superintendent: Schools in Better Financial Shape Than Initially Thought

The East Windsor Board of Education on Wednesday tabled its discussion on making budget cuts for 2013-14 school year after Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theresa Kane said that the district’s financial picture was not as bleak as expected.

“We are in better condition than we initially thought,” said Kane, who did not say how much more money the district had, as it was premature to pin down a figure at this point.

That means that some jobs and programs that were expected to be eliminated may be saved, Kane said.

Kane suggested that the board wait until next week to hold a special meeting to discuss the budget after the district’s financial consultants were in a better position to pin down exactly how much more money the district had.

“We will bring forth a new set of recommendations to you,” Kane said. “There will be a shorter list of reductions.”

Kane said that the district learned of the latest development on Wednesday, as the district’s financial consultants were closing out the accounts for the 2012-13 school year.

And while the Board of Finance on Tuesday approved a $20.57 million budget for the school district, representing a 2 percent spending increase, a group of teachers and staff members had been informed that their jobs were under consideration for being cut.

Previously, Kane said that nine teaching positions, two administrators, two secretarial positions, three custodians, and five aides would be eliminated and transportation services reduced.

While the news was viewed mostly as positive, some of those in attendance were somewhat unnerved that

Stacey Willey said that she the announcements that some people could lose their jobs, and now might not is “playing on their feelings and their livelihoods.”

“It affects me and concerns me,” she said.

But Kane said that teachers and staff were informed initially out of professional courtesy.

Kane said that she believes that people should hear from her that their jobs could be affected, rather than some other source.

Further, Kane noted that the funds weren't "discovered," but instead came as a result of a painful spending freeze first adopted at the beginning of the year.

As a result of the freeze, Kane said, many teachers and staff had to go without materials that they should have had this year.

The school board tabled further discussion on the matter until a special meeting is held Monday, June 17 at 7 p.m.