The superintendent underscored the severity of state aid cuts experienced between fiscal years 2021 and 2025, advocating for consideration of exceeding the 2% tax levy cap to recuperate the lost funds. Concerns were raised over the potential repercussions of adhering to the cap, such as job layoffs, reduced services, and the devaluation of property values. The board also discussed the necessity of additional funds for instructional supplies and materials, the student-to-administrator ratio, and the implications on teacher salaries and benefits.

The proposed budget aimed to allocate additional resources to restore staff positions, enhance instructional materials, support extracurricular activities, and implement a full-day kindergarten program. Despite the increase in the general fund tax levy, the school tax rate for Hillsborough and Millstone residents was projected to decrease. However, the overall dollar amount for the school tax levy was expected to rise by $5.7 million.

Board members expressed unease about bypassing the traditional referendum process for tax increases. The district has historically relied on referendums to resolve tax hikes, and the idea of allowing the state legislature to authorize such increases without a public vote was met with discomfort by some members. The potential for an all-day kindergarten program also sparked hesitation, with doubts about approving the significant change without community input via a referendum.

The meeting addressed the disparities in school taxes between Hillsborough and neighboring districts, particularly Montgomery, raising questions about whether Hillsborough had been historically under-taxed, leading to a financial shortfall that needed correction.

In addition to the budgetary concerns, the board reviewed various policy matters, including revisions to the policy on Honor societies and clubs. The proposed changes involved eliminating charges for Honor societies, instituting a flat fee for Unified sports, and collecting activity fees for clubs after the initial meeting. The board also tackled administrative issues such as the hiring process for an interim supervisor and the designation of signatories and official newspapers for public notifications. “The Patch,” an online platform, was suggested as a new official outlet for public notifications.

During the public comments segment, community voices were heard on budget and funding issues. Some speakers argued against exceeding the 2% cap, citing the impact on residents with fixed incomes, while others advocated for the restoration of funds to improve educational opportunities. The Hillsboro Education Association representative took the moment to commend the retirees and encouraged the board to contemplate the lasting impact of their decisions on the district’s legacy.

The board also deliberated over operations-related motions, including approving the tentative budget, grant awards, travel reimbursements, and the suspension of activity participation fees for the upcoming year. Notably, a debate arose over the allocation of funds for a new program versus the reinstatement of staff positions and the reduction of class sizes. Some members voiced concerns over the long-term sustainability of budget decisions and the transparency of budget allocations in relation to community needs.

Further discussions encompassed the costs of dual enrollment and overnight trips for students, the revised list of concurrent enrollment courses, and human resources matters such as appointments, retirements, and settlement agreements. Specific motions, including trips to various states and the appointment of an interim supervisor for evaluations, were met with mixed votes from the board.