Tax Increase Likely for All Districts Due to Greater Egg Harbor's Budget

The Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District's Board of Education introduced a $68.7 million budget Monday night that will restore activities and staffing nearly to 2009-10 levels, but will likely carry a tax increase for each of the four sending districts, including Galloway Township.

The numbers are tentative as the budget has to be submitted to the Atlantic County Superintendent of Schools by March 5 for review, and go before the voters for approval during the April 17 school board elections.

As presented to the full board during Monday night's meeting, Egg Harbor City and Hamilton Township would each see nine-tenths of a cent increase. Galloway Township would see a 1.1¢ increase and there would be a 3.4¢ increase for Mullica Township, according to Business Administrator Charles Mueller's PowerPoint presentation.

He also indicated that the budget restores a director of curriculum at Oakcrest and high schools; a dance teacher and a custodian at Cedar Creek High School; and a band/music teacher at Absegami. 

Additionally, the 2012-13 budget adds a PC repair person, a data processing person and three resource officers. It also provides benefits for all restored and new positions, and increases funding for classroom supplies.

A public hearing is scheduled for March 26.