North Hockey Fans Want It To Stay In Budget

The North-Voorhees High School District budget hearing brought concerns from several residents, including two proponents of men's ice hockey teams who raised several questions about the Board of Education's decision to exclude the program in the budget for the next school year.

The proposed budget is $57.3 million with a local tax levy of $44.72 million. Residents in the schools' sending districts will get to vote on the levy on Tuesday, April 15.

Business Administrator James Cardaneo said that a 10% increase in state aid did not help a district with one of the highest incomes in the county. He said it's actually "hurting us," because 7% of the state aid goes to taxpayer relief and can't be used for programs. He also said that because the district spends $2,000 more than the state average per pupil, the state doesn't "want us to spend more."

Art Marchesini, whose son plays hockey, stated that the board's decision "proved what we had predicted last year," but added that he believes there is a "sense of urgency" in the program. He added that the junior varsity league that many North-Voorhees students play in is "considering downsizing.

He said he would be happy to use "alternative funding" for the program, going on to say that it "occurs every day in this school." He used the example of his son, who is also on the golf team, and pays for gloves, hats, pants and jersey.

Board President Debra Roosen thanked Mr. Marchesini, and said that the "board is not finished discussing" the hockey program.

Jordan Guenther was another hockey team proponent, and he asked several questions including a clarification on the surplus. When he stated that "taxpayers look at it like" the board is "raising more than they need," several board members responded.

Barbara Walter said that "in doing good things" such as negotiating cheaper contracts, "it's looking bad" because they still have to budget for worst-case scenarios.

Mr. Guenther was also concerned about $2.9 million budgeted for out-of-district placements of students in special education and vocational programs, especially when he learned from Mr. Cardaneo said that 80% of that was for special education. He said that "at least 100 people that I know" would be upset with a budget that didn't include hockey, a number "that can affect the budget.

Superintendent Charles Shaddow responded, that if the levy was voted down, and the local governments reviewed the budget, "it's like feeding time."

Board member Deb Close, a hockey advocate, said that two years ago the budget failed, and "we're still paying for that." She also said that a "no" vote would only have the voters "taking (their anger) out on themselves."

This arcticle originally appeared in the Hunterdon Democrat on March 27, 2008.