Michael Buesser

The FY 2023 Public Budget Hearing discussed the management and control of expenses in the operating budget to achieve an end-of-year surplus for future capital projects. The budget aims to provide adequate funding without diminishing current student services and to implement the district's new strategic plan with a focus on increasing intervention programming. The budget development process began in November 2021, involving meetings with the BOE Finance Committee, community surveys, and reviews of special education costs and staffing levels. The 2022-2023 budget provides for the creation of reading specialist/literacy coach and math interventionist/math coach positions, complete renovation of two science labs, creation of a third science lab, addition of current novels in libraries, complete classroom technology room renovations, health and safety upgrades, continued implementation of the districts technology plan, and doubling of spots available for the preschool program. The budget anticipates raising the tax levy $0, representing no increase to the taxpayer.

The presentation covers the fiscal year 2024 public hearing of the Bloomingdale Board of Education budget. The budget is based around a five-year strategic plan focusing on academic excellence, facilities, communications, community involvement, and technology. Key dates include the tentative adoption on March 15th and the public hearing. The budget development process involves the finance committee, review of special education costs, staffing levels, and collective bargaining agreements. The budget includes funding for elementary ELA programs, health and safety upgrades, technology plan implementation, a new emotional regulation impairment class, and an additional preschool classroom. The projected revenue is $24.8 million, with the majority coming from local taxpayers. There was a one-time adjustment to S2 funding, with the funds designated for capital upgrades.

The 2024-2025 Strategic Plan for Bloomingdale Public Schools focuses on four key areas: Academic Excellence, Facilities, Communications & Community Involvement, and Technology. Academically, the plan emphasizes preparing students for the 21st century by implementing new ELA curricula, providing targeted tutoring services, and reviewing elective course offerings. Facility improvements include enhancing existing buildings and creating outdoor learning spaces. Community engagement will be strengthened through a new mobile app, parent outreach programs, and expanded after-school activities. Finally, the plan aims to equip schools with cutting-edge technology and provide professional development for faculty in technology integration.

The strategic plan focuses on academic excellence, modern facilities, community engagement, and technology. Key initiatives include launching a new ELA curriculum, providing targeted tutoring services, enhancing facilities, expanding outdoor learning spaces, launching a district-wide application for community engagement, and equipping school facilities with cutting-edge technology.

This presentation covers the 2023-2024 NJSLA assessment results for Bloomingdale Public Schools. It notes the small sample size of students per grade and that the NJSLA is a snapshot assessment. The presentation shows year-over-year growth and cohort-based data for ELA and math, highlighting progress and areas needing attention, such as grade 4 ELA and grade 5 math. Subgroup analysis by gender, ethnicity, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners is also included, with a focus on areas where disparities exist. The presentation concludes with a review of NJSA science results for grades 5 and 8.