WILDWOODS — Even though residents’ school tax bills in both North Wildwood and Wildwood will actually be lower, both districts are discussing the possibility of staff reductions.
In North Wildwood, the $9.2 million budget has gone up from last year by a total of $153,270 in order to fund technological upgrades and capital improvements, according to Superintendent Michael Buccialia. Those projects include the purchase of new computers, software and a new server. The other expenses include the replacement of the annex roof, upgraded security and a new public address system.
The budget is supported by a $6.43 million tax levy and a tax rate of 18.9 cents per $100 of assessed value. For a home worth $100,000 the new tax bill will thus be $189.
Staff reductions are expected as three positions near retirement. Buccialia said that out of those three staff members, only one would be replaced.
Neighboring Wildwood Crest is also considering a reduction in staff to deal with declining enrollment and state-aid reductions.
The Crest Memorial School has 250 students enrolled with the average class size at about 13.
While they hope to make cuts when staff members retire, an expected three to five members of the teaching staff may be let go, according to Superintendent Dennis Anderson.
The borough’s school district for the 2008-2009 school year is at $6.4 million, that’s a decrease from $6.44 million last year. The tax rate has gone from 37.4 cents to 35.7 cents per $100 of assessed value. For a home worth $100,000, the new tax bill will therefore be $357.
Anderson noted that despite the staff reductions, the Wildwood Crest School Board did not sacrifice the quality of programs at the school.
Contact Suit at: (609) 886-8600 ext. 25 or lsuit@cmcherald.com