The meeting opened with Acting Superintendent William Zylinski outlining the fiscal challenges facing the district. He noted that a tentative budget proposal, which would have increased taxes by 14.24%, was previously rejected.” The failure to approve the tentative budget has prevented the board from finalizing the budget ahead of state-imposed deadlines, further complicating the district’s financial planning. Zylinski underscored the importance of community involvement in advocating for the district’s funding needs, emphasizing the need for unity in confronting the state’s funding formula, which he claimed unfairly burdens Lacey Township.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the appraisal and potential sale of district-owned properties. The Leno Harbor property, initially estimated at $6.2 million, was appraised at $2.1 million, complicating the board’s efforts to balance the budget through asset sales. The board deliberated on the feasibility of including the appraised value in the budget without a formal contract for sale, drawing comparisons to other districts that have successfully sold properties. Despite these challenges, the board highlighted ongoing efforts to market the properties, although necessary surveys and appraisals are still pending.

The meeting also addressed the potential impact of eliminating courtesy busing services and reducing staff. The board considered cutting courtesy busing to save approximately $1 million, which would affect students living within certain distances from schools. Additionally, “braid banding,” or restructuring grade distributions, was discussed as a means of achieving further savings. However, the board acknowledged the challenges of maintaining adequate staffing and class sizes, with projections indicating that class sizes could increase to over 30 students per class. Concerns were raised about the safety risks associated with larger class sizes and the potential need for additional crossing guards.

Students shared personal stories about how sports and clubs have provided them with discipline, community, and opportunities for personal growth. A student highlighted the emotional impact of the potential cuts, stating that athletics offered a refuge from challenging environments and were pivotal in their college preparation. Concerns were also raised about the broader implications of cutting these programs, arguing that such cuts would undermine students’ mental health, social connections, and future prospects.

Financial analyst Cara Lopes addressed the historical context of the district’s funding, noting that the presence of a power plant once led to lower taxes, a factor she believed was not adequately considered in current financial calculations. Lopes offered her expertise to assist with financial matters.

They highlighted the necessity of passing a tentative budget to avoid further detrimental impacts on the district. The conversation included proposals to explore community partnerships, sponsorships, and donations as alternative means of supporting essential programs. Despite the challenges, the board urged the community to remain united in advocating for the district’s needs, emphasizing the importance of collaborating with state representatives to secure the necessary resources.