Superintendent's Message
Febuary 2012
Dear Bellmawr Community Member,
On January 18, 2012 Governor Chris Christie signed legislation S-3148 giving communities the option of moving the annual election of school board members to November. In school districts that change the election date, the annual base budget - that is, the proposed budget if it is at or below the school district's 2 percent tax levy cap - will no longer be voted on by the taxpayers.
Under this legislation, a community is able to move the election date through any one of three means, a resolution by the board of education; a resolution by the municipal governing body; or, a public question presented to voters at the November General Election.
On January 23, 2012 at its regularly scheduled meeting the Bellmawr Board of Education voted to support S- 3148. This move will change the school board elections to coincide with the general election in November. Reorganization for the School Board will be in January and is in line with the governmental reorganization structure. The School Board has made a commitment to create a school district budget that is within the 2% levy cap. We are in the process of drafting that budget in preparation for our budget hearing which will be later in March. Please check the web site for updated meetings and information.
On another note, there is an error in the 2011-2012 District calendars which you received in September, though the web site calendar is correct. Please be advised that SCHOOL IS IN SESSION ON MARCH 14TH. March 19, 2012 is a one session day for students.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance @ 931-3620. Thank you.
Sincerely
Annette Castiglione
Superintendent