2% Budget Increase Unanimously Approved for Haddonfield Schools

The Haddonfield Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved a 2-percent budget increase for the 2013-14 school year.

The increase means a typical homeowner with a property valued at $491,359 will pay $7,308 in school taxes, $194.40 more than last year.

School officials said they want to keep programs and staffing at current levels and not reduce them to balance the budget.

School Superintendent Richard Perry and the school board cited increases in teacher and administration salaries, text book  and extracurricular costs for a $450,259 deficit. But the biggest driver of increased costs was a 24-percent spike for special education instruction. 

Perry said special-education costs increased from $801,665 to $993,718, a $192,053 difference. He said most of these costs are for tuition for some special-education students outside of the district. Perry said their placement outside of the district is based on recommendations from professionals about the best learning environment for them or sometimes the wishes of parents.

A budget hearing will be held on March 21, but a state law passed last year eliminates the need for a budget referendum if the increase is 2 percent or less.

Don't miss any Haddonfield or Haddon Township news. Sign up for Patch's free daily newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.