More than 1,700 people have signed an on line petition opposing the elimination of three programs at Sussex County Technical School. To help close an $800,000 budget gap the board of education plans to end the school's specialty study areas in graphic design, architecture and theater arts. The plan also calls for four teaching positions to be cut. Last week the school's Board of School Estimate approved a final budget of just over $15 Million. That final budget included the cuts. The Board of School Estimate is comprised of tech school board members and county commissioners. The Sussex County Commissioners approved a 2.85% increase in their portion of Sussex Tech's budget but the state's contribution "has been flat for several years" according to the school's business administrator. Many parents and concerned citizens plan to attended tomorrow's Sussex Tech Board of Education meeting to express their displeasure with the cuts. The meeting will be in the school's auditorium at 4PM. All are welcome to attend.
Sources: New Jersey Herald and Sparta Independent
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