To: The Mount Arlington Borough Council & Administration

We, the undersigned residents of Mount Arlington, urgently call upon the Borough Council to reassess and prioritize the allocation of funds in the 2025 municipal budget to address the critical needs of our public schools. This time-sensitive issue must be addressed before the finalization of the budget at the council meeting on May 6th.

Our schools are currently facing significant financial challenges due to factors beyond their control, including:

Rising Costs and Budget Deficits: Escalating insurance expenses, persistent inflation, increasing special education requirements, and higher tuition fees at Roxbury High School have led to substantial budget shortfalls.
Impact on Programs and Staff: These financial strains have resulted in the elimination of extracurricular activities such as band, choir, art, and sports. Additionally, valued teachers and staff are facing job losses, and essential resources are diminishing even as student enrollment grows.

While a referendum has been proposed to request taxpayers to exceed the 2% contribution cap, we believe that immediate action by the Borough can expedite relief. By reallocating funds now, we can restore programs and retain teachers for the upcoming school year, rather than waiting for the potential benefits of a referendum, which may take a year or more to materialize.

Therefore, we call upon the Borough Council to:

Reevaluate the 2025 Municipal Budget: Prior to the council meeting on May 6th, conduct a thorough review of the budget to identify and allocate additional funds toward education. Even modest adjustments can prevent the loss of teachers and preserve vital programs for the upcoming school year.

Investing in our schools is an investment in the future of Mount Arlington. Strong schools not only benefit our children and families but also enhance property values, attract new residents, and improve the overall quality of life in our community.

We urge the Borough Council to take immediate action to support our schools and ensure that our kids have the education they deserve and Mount Arlington remains a vibrant and desirable place to live.

Sincerely,

David BaRoss

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