To clarify the school district’s and borough’s responsibilities for maintenance and repairs at the school buildings, the assembly has approved an agreement that says the borough will pay for major repair and rehab projects that cost more than $25,000.
The district is responsible for “routine maintenance,” as specified in the three-page agreement adopted by the assembly in a unanimous vote on April 22.
In addition to removing any doubt as to who pays for what at the schools — the borough owns the buildings and the school district covers operating costs — the agreement is intended to make it easier for the district to transfer some of the almost $1.2 million it has saved for major repair and rebuilding projects.
“I think it certainly opens the door,” if the school board wants to transfer some of those funds to cover operating expenses, Borough Manager Mason Villarma said in an interview the day after the assembly vote.
The district faces a shortfall of hundreds of thousands of dollars in its operating budget for the 2025-2026 school year and risks draining its operating reserves account to fill the gap.
The school board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, April 30, to adopt its budget for the next school year.
Villarma proposed a written agreement — and the $25,000 threshold — during a March 24 public meeting between the borough and school officials to discuss the district’s bleak finances.
Mayor Patty Gilbert, speaking at the April 22 assembly meeting, said she has been waiting years for such an agreement to clarify who is responsible for what in keeping the schools in good condition.
“I’m really excited to see this,” said Assembly Member Brittani Robbins, a former school board member.
Reader Comments(0)