New Schools Chief Rossi Optimistic on Budget Vote

Madison's new schools superintendent isn't officially on the job, but Dr. Michael Rossi is optimistic he'll have a voter-approved budget to work with when he moves into his new position July 1.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed" that voters will approve the revised school district budget submitted by the during elections April 27, Rossi said in an interview with Patch.

The original budget was defeated in 2010 for the first time in 15 years amid a call by Gov. Chris Christie for residents to vote against any budget without a freeze on staff salaries.

Rossi will make a final public budget presentation tonight at 7:30 p.m. at , an event also designed to serve as a meet-and-greet with residents.

"I've met with the PTO leadership, with the Madison Education Foundation, and with the school administrators, so I am slowly building bridges," Rossi said.

Rossi is wrapping up budget chores in his current post as superintendent of the Roxbury school district. Asked what the next step would be if Madison voters again reject the school spending plan he said, "If the budget does not pass, my involvement will increase dramatically and immediately." He offered no further details. Another rejection by voters would send the schools budget to the borough council, which would then make its own recommendation.

"I am not getting the impression that there's a lot of anti-school budget feeling out there," Rossi said. "I am keeping my fingers crossed."

He said he has not yet met individually with all the school board members, or with the borough council.

"I'm still working for Roxbury," Rossi said.