Schools

Mahwah Board of Ed to Vote on Budget, High School Complex [Poll]

Budget proposes a 2 to 2.2% tax increase.

The Mahwah Board of Education is set to conduct a budget vote this week that will decide this year's tax rate, and the fate of a proposed building at the high school that has raised some opposition from local residents.

Last summer, the BOE introduced a proposed capital project that would see a "multi-purpose facility" built on the high school's campus, near the football field. The building would include fields and team meeting rooms used for athletic practices, training and practice spaces for teams like the marching band and color guard, restrooms, and a concession stand, district officials have said.

The facility might also be used by other community sports teams and groups looking for indoor play space.

The $3.8 million facility would be funded entirely from the district's capital reserve fund, which school officials say has been saved up over the past several years, and can only legally be used to fund capital improvements to the district.

Since its introduction, the complex has been a topic of debate among residents. Supporters say it will enhance the district and alleviate scheduling conflicts that exist with both after-school activities and out-of-school groups. Opponents say the funds could instead be spent on something more academic in nature, or on other upgrades to district buildings.

According to a NorthJersey.com report, the Board of Education is set to vote on its 2014-15 budget and the capital expenditure Wednesday night. The budget proposes a 2 to 2.2% tax increase, the report said. 

A user-friendly version of the budget is posted on the district website.


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