Name: Bergen schools forced to cut hiring, tap reserve funds after NJ slashes $336M in aid
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Bergen schools forced to cut hiring, tap reserve funds after NJ slashes $336M in aid

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NorthJersey.comView CommentsFacing a one-two punch of the coronavirus crisis and new state funding cuts, some of Bergen County's biggest school districts may lay off workers, limit hiring and tap reserve funds to bridge the gap.Gov. Phil Murphy's administration announced last month&nbsp;that it has to deal with a multibillion-dollar shortfall in state revenue due to the coronavirus.Seven Bergen County school districts are facing cuts of $1 million or more — shortfalls that would come on top of reductions in local tax revenues due to the coronavirus&nbsp;shutdown. The districts facing school aid cuts include:The figures could still change. The&nbsp;state has extended its current fiscal year through September, which means the budget for the shortened fiscal year of October to June 2021 will not be passed until later this summer.Some of these districts are already working on dealing with the pressing financial situation.Funding cuts:Layoffs:Leadership:&nbsp;Hackensack, a district of 5,700 students, which passed its $132 million budget in March, would&nbsp;see a 10%&nbsp;cut in state aid from what it was originally designated to receive.In an email, district Superintendent Robert Sanchez said that “given the financial impact of COVID-19 and pending state budget cuts that all districts are facing, our district is non-renewing many of its non-tenured employees across all categories.”&nbsp;Sanchez did not give specifics on the number of employees who will be laid off and what departments will be affected, when he was asked in a follow-up email.&nbsp;The Fairview school district is facing a 13% decrease&nbsp;in state aid.The district, with about 1,500 students, approved its $36 million budget&nbsp;in March.&nbsp;Superintendent David Sleppin&nbsp;said in an interview that no layoffs are being considered,&nbsp;but the district may limit the number of hires for the new school year, depending on the final decrease. He said there is also reserve money in the budget that can be used to offset losses.The additional cuts were surprising, but Sleppin said he understood the state's dilemma:&nbsp;"The&nbsp;governor has to balance the state budget as well.”Fair Lawn, with 5,100 students, is facing a 14% decrease.Superintendent Nicholas Norcia said in a statement that the district will be able to survive the cut if it happens.“Prior to finalizing the 20-21 budget, we were fortunate to have the support of our BOE members to adjust our budget to put us in a better position," Norcia said. "We are confident that we have some savings in the current year that we will be able to bring forward through reserves."In May, Fair Lawn's Board of Education passed a $114 million budget for the 2020-21 school year.Bergenfield Superintendent Christopher Tully&nbsp;said the district will wait for Murphy’s budget address in August to get updated information about the aid cuts before making any decisions, and "would prefer to utilize reserve accounts and defer large purchases to future years before having to consider any other cuts to address any potential losses.”The proposed cut in&nbsp;state aid is 7% for the district of 3,700 students. The district's school board approved a $69 million budget in April.Elmwood Park's state funding&nbsp;is proposed to drop&nbsp;13%, Lodi to go down 9%, and Garfield 1.6%.&nbsp;Lodi&nbsp;Schools Superintendent Douglas Petty could not be reached for comment. Elmwood Park and Garfield did not respond to emails for comment.Ricardo&nbsp;Kaulessar&nbsp;is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community,&nbsp;.Email:&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter:&nbsp;&nbsp;View Comments

NorthJersey.comView CommentsFacing a one-two punch of the coronavirus crisis and new state funding cuts, some of Bergen County's biggest school districts may lay off workers, limit hiring and tap reserve funds to bridge the gap.Gov. Phil Murphy's administration announced last month&nbsp;that it has to deal with a multibillion-dollar shortfall in state revenue due to the coronavirus.Seven Bergen County school districts are facing cuts of $1 million or more — shortfalls that would come on top of reductions in local tax revenues due to the coronavirus&nbsp;shutdown. The districts facing school...

Bergen schools forced to cut hiring, tap reserve funds after NJ slashes $336M in aid

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