Proposed '12-'13 School Budget, Super's Appointment, On For Tonight

The is scheduled to hold a presentation on the first draft of a school budget for the 2012-13, which is approved by the county, would likely be given final approval by school board vote on the March 26 meeting.

Since the board , the public would not vote on the school budget for next year unless the proposed budget exceeds a state cap limit of 2 percent increase on the local school tax rate. That is something that school officials have repeated assured they will not do.

The proposed budget will include a 27 percent increase in promised state aid for next year, along with a plan to maintain all programs within the district and add some staff in areas where class sizes have been bulging. For further details on state aid and the budget introduction,

Another result of moving the school election to November is that the board now can vote to formally appoint Nick Markarian, now school business administrator, as The current superintendent, Valerie Goger, is due retire on June 30, following the end of this school year.

Markarian, held by Goger, as well as being responsible as business administrator for preparing the budget document, said last week that necessary paperwork was being prepared for his anticipated appointment at the Monday meeting.

The public meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at the

Residents who oppose Ridge bus routes through Homestead Village reportedly planning return

Meanwhile residents who oppose the routing of buses through Homestead Village on their way to drop high school students at, leading to the rear entrance of have said they will return in force at Monday's board meeting.

The residents, bearing a petition signed by about 165 neighbors, managed to convince the Township Committee on Feb. 14 that increased traffic from buses and also cars now made aware of the alternate route have been creating unsafe conditions on their narrow streets. Two children waiting for a bus to the middle school almost were hit by vehicles carrying Ridge students, the neighbors say.

The Township Committee while alternative ways are investigated for alleviating morning traffic backups at the main entrance to .

The Township Committee also offered the assistance of the municipal engineer in seeking a solution. Markarian said a meeting with the engineer already has been held, with no firm options for relieving the morning traffic.

Meanwhile, the on the basis that traffic has lightened along South Finley Avenue in the mornings, and a dangerout mix of cars and buses in front of the high school also has been eliminated.

However, the high school's superintendent, Frank Howlett, and the school administration, have asked that parents dropping off Ridge students should use the main entrance to the high school, rather than heading to Cedar Hill School.

For further information on the residents' plans to return on Monday,