High Point, Sussex discuss budget

SUSSEX BOROUGH — High Point Regional High School Superintendent gave a report to the Sussex Borough Council regarding the school's tentative budget.
Ripley said High Point lowered its budget by $1.2 million over several years; the tax levy reduced by over $56,000, and officials anticipate lowering the tax levy more next year, with the possible retirement of a great number of staff.
Per the State Department of Education, they have reduced the per-pupil cost by more than $1,100, in spite of enrollment loss and health care costs increasing 20 percent. Also, the number of students attending High Point from Sussex will lower from 92 to 85.
In spite of the tax levy decreasing three of the last four years, added Ripley, the graduation rate increased from 85 percent to 95 percent in two years, and High Point offers more Advanced Placement classes than any other school in the entire state.
Councilwoman Linda Masson asked for more cuts this year in light of a 33 percent decrease in students between 2005 and 2015. She added,
“We always say, 'for the children,' ...the children's parents are losing their homes,” she said.
Ripley reiterated the retirements next year, without a long term negative impact, and the fluctuating health care costs.
Dykstra asked for the total number of Full Time Equivalent employees (FTE), which is approximately 105.5, per Ripley.
Dykstra said he appreciated Ripley's compassion, but did not consider retirement a cut, when the positions would be replaced with less expensive teachers.
Ripley said the district is not replacing retiring teachers.
During a discussion regarding having another plan in case attrition did not work, Dykstra asked for High Point's rank in cost per pupil in Sussex County and the number of high schools.
Masson said she had the numbers, but Dykstra said he wanted to hear from Ripley.
Ripley said High Point is anywhere from the the highest to the fourth highest; and there are nine high schools in Sussex County.
Dykstra then asked how Ripley could put a budget together when he did not know their rank.
High Point Regional School Board President Kyle Vealey objected to the questions and Dykstra's tone. He said Ripley came to give a budget presentation, not "for you to badger with him how many high schools are in the county." He then encouraged the council to ask questions at the school board meetings.
In discussion back and forth, Dykstra said Ripley sounded angry. Vealey answered Ripley did not, but he was a little angry at the questions, because the board at large makes and approves the decisions.
Ripley and Dykstra apologized for any misunderstanding.
Masson then read the High Point cost per-pupil from the “Tax Payer's Guide to Education.” In 2013 it was: $22,470; 2014: $25,679; and 2015: $25,913. She said she was puzzled at the increase in light of losing a third of the students.
Ripley explained various formulas determine the cost per-pupil; therefore, he provided the State DOE numbers. He agreed the numbers were too high, and they were committed to bringing the cost down.
Vealey explained the send-receive agreement with Montague is only considered revenue, minus counting those students as pupils, thus, resulting in a negative portrayal in the state calculation.
Ripley said if the Montague students are not calculated, the cost is plus $20,000 per-pupil, and if calculated, approximately $19,000.
Council President Robert Holowach said if the different sources of numbers were valid and comparable, it would be a 30.8 percent reduction using the $25,913 number and the 2016 DOE numbers.
"That's pretty commendable," he said.
Other business
The council tabled a Sussex Inn redemption and installment plan and postponed the budget hearing until May 3.