Greenwich Township Committee votes to send school budget to state for review

Amid a standing-room-only crowd, Greenwich Township Committee members voted 4-1 this afternoon to send the defeated school district budget to the New Jersey Department of Education to determine where and how much of the budget will be cut.

The emotional debate in the township came to an abrupt end with the decision that will give the state the power to reduce the 13.8-cent proposed tax hike. Two other meetings had been held on the $12.7 million budget that was defeated by residents in a 511-488 vote in April.

"The best option is to send the budget to the education professionals in Trenton," said Committeeman Joesph Gurneak.

Committeeman Bruce Williams was the sole dissenter in the vote. Williams instead suggested the school board find $120,000 to cut, recommending they find the money by instituting a districtwide pay freeze.

Williams introduced his solution, but it received no second and failed before a vote could be made.

"I hope to God all four of you are right, but frankly you have far more trust in the bureaucrats in Trenton than I do," Williams said.

The state will have until June 30 to hand down any budget reductions. Warren County Superintendent Kevin Brennan said it is unlikely that the state will offer much support in the way of the budget.

"There's no more money coming," Brennan said. "I don't think we're out of the tunnel. We don't see a light yet."

Hopefully the state will communicate with the township school board and himself before making any cuts. He said one thing was for certain: the budget will undergo a complete review, line item by line item.

Many of the people who turned out for the 2 o'clock meeting were parents and supporters of the school budget. They applauded and cheered after comments criticizing the township committee's decision. But a few attendees spoke out against the budget, which untouched would have added $373 more in school taxes to the average home assessed at $270,500.

"What I see from the school board and what I see from the teachers union is this unwilling empathy for the people," resident Frank Gravina said. "They talk about the kids, the kids, the kids and the first thing they put on the chopping block is the kids."

Grappling with about $638,888 lost in state aid, the proposed school budget included 18 staff cuts of both teachers and administrators as well as several program reductions including the elimination of instrumental music and courtesy busing. Officials had said if the township proposed deep enough reductions, the kindergarten program could be abolished.

Many district administrators including Superintendent Maria Eppolite have already agreed to pay freezes.

Other attendees, including school board members, said they were amazed by the committee's choice to push the decision to the state.

"I really feel like you shirked your responsibility," school board President Christopher Wittmann said. "I'm disgusted."

Resident Mark Scuderi said he was disturbed by the lack of a decision.

"I find it troubling that this committee was unable to make a decision, adapt the budget and move forward," Scuderi said. "I'll be honest, it's troubling that this committee is running the township."

Committeewoman Elaine Emiliani said she is also worried about how the budget could affect the township's children, but believes the experts at the state level could help find "creative" ways to reduce the tax levy.

"It's time to look at the full picture," Emiliani said.