Superintendent Dr. Robert J. Fisicaro highlighted the district’s financial struggles, emphasizing that state aid had been reduced by $637,000 over two years, contributing to a cumulative loss of $1.8 million. The Superintendent explained that the state-determined local fair share, which the district contests as insufficient, is calculated using an aggregate income metric. Despite raising taxes by the maximum allowable 2% annually since 2013-2014, the district’s local funding expectations from the state have risen faster, leading to a significant funding gap. The Superintendent noted, “the local fair share is jumping at a drastically high rate compared to our 2% local tax level,” underscoring the financial strain on the district.

To address the budget shortfall, several strategies were proposed. The Superintendent suggested requesting a 10% cost reduction from all vendors, which could potentially save $100,000. Additionally, funds allocated for a postponed capital project involving the lower Rino fields could be redirected to ease immediate budget pressures. A $500,000 emergency account earmarked for unemployment benefits was also considered for maintaining staffing levels instead of being used for unemployment payouts.

A prominent issue discussed was the potential sale of the school bus fleet, which could provide immediate financial relief but might necessitate leasing the buses back, a strategy deemed potentially detrimental in the long term. Another cost-saving measure considered was reverting to half-day kindergarten, although this was not preferred. The potential sale of the board office property and reconfiguring elementary school grades for the 2026-2027 school year were also explored, though their financial impact was expected to be limited.

The Superintendent outlined three primary options for addressing the deficit: a flat 2% tax increase requiring significant reductions to address the $4 million shortfall, utilizing Bank cap for a 9.3% tax increase with a $1 million to $2 million shortfall, and a 17.4% tax increase to fully balance the budget without cuts. However, the latter option would impose a substantial financial burden on households. The Superintendent warned that if funding trends continue unchanged, a drastic 31.8% tax increase might be necessary in the future, potentially resulting in an annual increase of $1,500 for an average home.

Community input was sought on feasible tax increases, with a focus on understanding what the community could manage rather than discussing specific positions or cuts. Public comments revealed strong advocacy for maintaining educational programs and staff. Parents and students emphasized the importance of full-day kindergarten and arts programs, arguing that cuts would negatively impact student well-being and community dynamics.

A significant concern was the potential implications of proposed budget cuts on staffing levels and educational quality. Community members inquired about how they could best advocate for specific budget options. The Superintendent acknowledged the necessity of community involvement.

The conversation also touched on broader financial strategies, such as renting out school facilities and exploring shared services with neighboring districts. The board expressed openness to these strategies while acknowledging complexities, especially in transportation where staffing shortages are a concern.