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Some In Ringwood Want Voters To Decide Whether To Pay More For Schools

RINGWOOD, N.J. – As the Ringwood School District faces staff and program cuts, a group of residents is petitioning the school board to ask taxpayers if they would pay more to fund the budget.

Eleanor G. Hewitt Intermediate School is located in Ringwood.

Eleanor G. Hewitt Intermediate School is located in Ringwood.

Photo Credit: www.remax-nj.com

The revised preliminary 2017-2018 school budget plans for “the elimination of all janitorial staff, the entire gifted and talented program and staff, the entire 5th grade band program and its music teacher position, basic skills teacher, 1 counselor position, 1 administration, 1 secretary and 2+teaching staff as well as certain school day and after school programs,” states the online petition.

“In the opinion of the supporters of this petition, this plan results in substantial losses to the efficiency and effectiveness of the K-8th grade Ringwood School District curriculum and operations,” the petition states.

The petitioners are urging the school board to adopt a resolution to present a question on the next general election ballot to ask voters if they are willing to “override the 2% tax levy cap to cover the School District budget shortfall for this coming school year and the near future.”

“This would mean an increase in real estate taxes for homeowners in Ringwood and the use of that tax money to support our schools,” the petition states.

As of Monday afternoon, the petition had more than 80 backers.

CLICK HER TO READ OR SIGN THE PETITION.

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