February 14, 2019
Dear Parents and Shamong School District Staff:
As you may be aware, at the January Board of Education meeting the 2019-2020 preliminary budget information was presented. Along with the presentation there was discussion of the impact that state aid reductions would have on this budget and future planning. On July 13, 2018 we were notified that our state funding was being reduced for the current year and will continue through the 2024-2025 school year. During this seven-year period, it is anticipated that our state funding will be lowered over $1.1 million.
We are not alone in this challenge; the regional high school district and six of the K-8 sending districts in the Lenape Region are facing reductions in their funding as well. Overall the reductions in the Lenape Region will be $22.8 million and will have a significant impact on student programming, staffing, and operations.
A Forum will be held at Shawnee High School in the Large Group Instruction Room on Thursday, February, 21, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The Lenape Region Superintendents will be facilitating the meeting. This forum is designed to provide you with an understanding of the challenges we are facing and provide you with next steps to assist in addressing it.
Knowledge can be powerful and together we can effect change! Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you next week. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Christine Vespe, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
C: Board of Education Members
