The Gloucester County School Board presented its capital projects and budget update to the Gloucester Board of Supervisors Tuesday night in the T.C. Walker Education Center Auditorium.

A few citizens expressed their opinions on the budget during public comment period.

“Every year the same process takes place,” said Howard Mowry. “Inflate and then be happy with the end result. The process should be set to what we the taxpayer can afford as established by the composite index. Will the student be shortchanged? No. As long as the basic foundations of required subjects are taught…”

The school board presented its capital improvement update, including the Gloucester High School renovation update. The update included the following:

—Schematic Design (100 percent complete);
—Design Development (ongoing now);
—Plan to Bid Temporary Classroom plans (May 2022);
—Plan to Bid GHS Renovation Plans (July/August 2022);
—Start Phase 1 of Project (September 2022), and
—Anticipated Final Completion (24-30 months).

Budget update

Dr. Walter Clemons, division superintendent, and Troy Andersen, chair of the school board, presented on the school’s budget update.
One important point of the budget is the additional transportation and facilities costs due to inflation. The school board presented fuel increases for the transportation department (recommended budget of $100,000) as well as increases in utilities (recommended budget of $200,000).

The next budget work session for the school board will be at 6 p.m. next Thursday, March 24, in the T.C. Walker Education Center Auditorium. At this meeting, the school board is set to approve its budget.