BOE to Meet for Budget Discussion Tonight

The Brick Board of Education will meet Monday to discuss the 2012-13 school budget.

Last week, the board rejected a budget proposal put forth by the school district administration that would have increased the tax levy on residents.

"We basically told them to go back to the drawing board," said Board President Sharon Kight.

Kight said the board is seeking to keep the tax rate flat in this year's budget.

The administration's budget proposal would have remained within the state's 2 percent cap on expenditures, however Kight said it would have essentially used up the entire amount by which taxes could be raised without triggering a referendum.

Because the board has moved its election to November, only budgets that exceed the cap will necessitate a referendum.

Kight said the purpose of Monday night's meeting, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the library, will be to go over the budget and see where money can be saved.

Once the board approves a budget, it will be sent to the Ocean County Executive Superintendent of Schools for final approval before the tax levy can be certified.