The 2% Cap Dilemma: Fort Lee Ed Budget Challenges

Overview

Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Kravitz, the superintendent of Fort Lee Public Schools, about the district's economic challenges. Dr. Kravitz’s path to education is unique. He began his career as a music major at Rutgers University before switching to business and earning a culinary degree. After becoming a chef and starting his own cake company, he discovered his passion for education. He then pursued a master's and a doctorate in education from Seton Hall University.

Dr. Kravitz’s career in education took off when he became principal of School #3, where he earned the school its first Blue Ribbon award—a national recognition for excellence in education. After a successful stint as superintendent at the Academy of Englewood, where he raised test scores and developed mental health awareness programs, Dr. Kravitz returned to Fort Lee in 2021 to continue his work in improving education.

Economic Challenges in Fort Lee Board of Ed

Despite Fort Lee Public Schools being ranked among the Top 100 Public High Schools in New Jersey by Niche and boasting a 94% graduation rate, economic challenges persist. One major issue is that the district’s per-student spending of $21,036 is well below the state median of $26,333. Dr. Kravitz explained that this disparity is due to a strict 2% cap on budget growth, primarily funded through property taxes. This limitation leaves little room for increases in teacher salaries or expanded extracurricular activities despite the district's academic success.

Extracurricular Activities: Prioritizing Efficiency

In recent years, the district invested $250,000 into Command Education, a program designed to help students prepare for the SAT. However, due to low participation, the program was discontinued. With his business background, Dr. Kravitz shared his principle of efficiency with us, ensuring that every dollar of the limited budget is used wisely. This approach led to tough decisions, such as removing free bus service and reallocating funds from Command Education to higher student engagement programs like the Academy of Finance.

Fort Lee High School continues to strengthen its Academy of Finance, providing students with community internship opportunities, including placements with major corporations like KPMG. These partnerships give students hands-on experience and build valuable connections between the district and local businesses.

Infrastructure: An Ongoing Challenge

One of the most significant hurdles facing Fort Lee is its aging infrastructure. Many of the district’s schools are over 100 years old, requiring constant renovation and expansion to accommodate growing student numbers. Dr. Kravitz highlighted recent additions to School #1 as part of these efforts. However, infrastructure projects are costly and require voter approval through bond referendums.

A prime example of this challenge was the construction of the Intermediate School, which opened in 2019. The project was first proposed in 2008 and took five years to gain voter approval after two failed attempts. Dr. Kravitz noted that the district would need to take on bond debt for such initiatives, and the process is often lengthy and complex, involving multiple referendums.

Budget Constraints: Exploring Limited Options

With the budget growth capped at 2%, increasing the district's resources remains a significant challenge. While donations from businesses are accepted, the district is careful about how these funds are used to avoid commercializing the educational environment. 

 Looking Ahead: A Vision for Fort Lee Schools

Despite the economic hurdles, Dr. Kravitz remains optimistic about the future of Fort Lee Public Schools. His long-term vision includes expanding educational opportunities, especially at the high school level. By partnering with universities like William Paterson and NJIT, students can earn college credits to give them a head start in academics.

Dr. Kravitz is also committed to advocating for state funding to help relieve some of the district's financial pressures. He is determined to provide Fort Lee’s students with the best possible education by continuing to build partnerships and explore innovative solutions.