During the meeting, Superintendent Justin Smith presented a preliminary budget for the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting the district’s financial challenges. He pointed out that Evesham had lost over $7 million in state aid since 2018 due to the S2 legislation, which restructured state aid distribution. This legislation has disproportionately affected Evesham by phasing out adjustment aid. Smith emphasized that Evesham is now classified as a wealthy district, resulting in a shift of funding responsibility to local taxpayers. Consequently, the percentage of the budget financed by local tax levies has increased from 79% in 2017 to 86% in 2025, while state aid has dwindled to less than 8% of the total budget.

David Bock, a member of the board, further elaborated on the historical context of the funding challenges, noting that the district’s enrollment has remained relatively stable despite the drastic reduction in state funding. The board expressed concern over the district’s financial viability and the potential impact on educational services, with expectations for state aid to remain flat or decrease further. This bleak financial outlook has prompted the board to consider a series of cost-saving measures to bridge the budget gap.

One of the most notable proposals under consideration is the outsourcing of the transportation department, which is expected to save approximately $800,000. This move would involve leasing buses and the transportation yard while contracting out all remaining routes. Additionally, the district is exploring the elimination of elementary extracurricular activities, increasing class sizes, and modifying teacher workloads. For instance, middle school core content teachers may teach a sixth class instead of team time, potentially saving $1.8 million but also increasing class sizes from an average of 24 to 30 students per section.

The board is also considering increasing the number of walking students and consolidating bus routes and stops, along with phasing out benefits for about 30 paraprofessionals to save an estimated $750,000. Despite these efforts, the district still faces an unresolved gap of $2.7 million, as of January 30.

Public comments during the meeting highlighted widespread concern and frustration among parents and community members regarding the district’s decision-making processes. Several speakers, including Ain Sapio and Jaclyn RC, criticized the board’s transparency and questioned the preservation of administrative positions amid proposed teaching role cuts. Concerns were also raised about the financial implications of the preschool expansion program and its impact on existing resources.

Tracy Brown, a representative for the Evesham Township Education Association, voiced sadness over the district’s financial losses and the potential impact of cuts on essential services, such as counseling and educational programs. Brown and others emphasized the importance of maintaining teacher-student ratios and providing socio-emotional support to students.

In response to these challenges, the board discussed potential strategies to mitigate budget shortfalls, including increasing revenue through bus advertising and facility use fees. The board also considered expanding preschool offerings, funded differently than the general budget, with the hope of generating surplus funds.

However, concerns about the preschool expansion remained a point of contention. The board debated the use of capital reserve funds for renovations at the Teddy Bear Academy, with one board member questioning the long-term impact of diverting resources to preschool initiatives. Public comments echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for the district to prioritize existing K-8 programs.