The financial proposal at the heart of the meeting involves a potential increase in the district’s budget by approximately $22.9 million for the 2025-2026 school year. This increase is seen as necessary to restore numerous programs and positions that have been cut due to seven years of decreased state aid. The proposed budget would allow for the reinstatement of courtesy busing, middle school sports, and several teaching positions that were previously slated for elimination. Additionally, it would address infrastructure needs, such as facility upgrades and going paperless for archived documents.

The board was urged to act swiftly due to the state’s timeline for expressing interest in additional funding, which requires a decision by April 14th. This urgency stems from the potential benefits of a newly introduced tax incentive aid program. Under this program, for every $20 million raised, the district could receive an additional $1 million in state aid. However, this proposal has sparked concerns about the tax implications for local residents, with estimates suggesting an average tax increase of approximately $364 for Hillsborough homeowners and $1,294 for those in Millstone.

Board members expressed apprehension regarding the potential impact of increased local taxes on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. There was considerable debate over whether the district should proceed with the application for state aid, with concerns about the risk of reduced state contributions if the local share was raised.

Community members were involved in the conversation, voicing a range of opinions during the public comment period. Several speakers emphasized the importance of community engagement and transparency in deciding on tax increases. Some residents expressed frustration over the disparity in funding compared to neighboring districts and urged the board to explore all available options to secure necessary funding for the schools. Others cautioned against the long-term consequences of accepting state aid that required a tax hike, arguing that such decisions should involve voter input.

The board also acknowledged the potential consequences of inaction, such as overcrowded classrooms, loss of educational programs, and staff layoffs. The possibility of holding a public vote to gauge community support for the funding proposal was considered.

Amid these discussions, the board also celebrated several student achievements. The Hillsborough High School girls basketball team was recognized for winning the 2025 NJSIAA Group 4 State Championship. Individual athletes, including Chesy Shiro, were honored for their contributions to the team’s success and her record as the all-time leading scorer at Hillsborough High School.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board announced a forthcoming community engagement night to foster communication between the board and residents. This initiative aims to provide a platform for community members to voice their concerns and ask questions related to school district issues.