Describing it as “a remarkable work,” because it is based on only a one percent increase from last year, the Princeton Regional Board of Education approved a tentative total operating budget of $75,607,106 for the 2012-13 school year. With the inclusion of total grants and entitlements ($4,267,340) and repayment of debt totals ($4,512,325) the total budget comes to $82,386,771. The local tax levy on the projected budget will be $67,926,798.

“Although our state aid increased, it increased by only $100,000,” reported Superintendent Judy Wilson at last week’s Board of Education meeting. “We were certainly hoping for more.” She noted that even with the additional money, the district’s reinstatement of the aid lost in the spring of 2010 was still at only 54 percent.

Following approval by the County and State, area residents will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed budget at public meetings at the end of March. Ms. Wilson said that details of the budget will be posted on the District’s website in the coming weeks. Residents of the Borough and the Township will get to vote on the budget at the upcoming April 17 election.

It was noted that the budget does not provide for building improvements or new technology, and, later at the meeting, Finance Committee member Dorothy Bedford reported on the withdrawal of money from the District’s capital reserve account for improvements in building safety and security. The installation of solar panels is also being explored in an effort to reduce cash outflow for energy expenses, she said.

Candidates who filed for election to the school board by the February 27 cut-off date include Borough residents Dudley Sipprelle and Martha Land, who will be vying for two vacant seats along with current president Rebecca Cox, who is running for reelection. In the Township, where there is one vacancy, only one candidate, Patrick Sullivan, came forward to to run. Area residents will be voting for new school board members as well as a new budget at the April 17 election.

Describing “teacher evaluation” as “a hot topic in our nation,” Ms. Wilson reported that the District has received new guidelines “to work our way through during the next 18 months” until implementation in September 2013. “Stay tuned,” she counseled, noting that there will be “a lot of information” and “a lot of work.”

Patrick Lenihan, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts, presented a very well received presentation on District programs in visual arts, drama, dance, and music. “Participation in an arts program is critical to every student,” he observed. The District’s “special relationship” with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra was noted with particular appreciation.