The board’s finance committee discussed the necessity of this levy increase, driven by the addition of 39 students, which prompted a state-sanctioned enrollment adjustment of $475,000. This adjustment allows the district to increase its tax levy to accommodate the additional students’ needs. Rising costs in tuition rates for out-of-district students and a 12% increase in health benefit expenses were highlighted as financial pressures. Additionally, utilities are expected to increase by 12% to 15%. To mitigate these costs, the board plans to use $100,000 from the emergency reserve and $198,000 from the maintenance reserve. They also plan to apply $600,000 in unspent funds from the previous budget year.

In other developments, Superintendent Melissa Signore expressed gratitude to the Parent Teacher Association for introducing the national PTA Reflections program to the district. This initiative encouraged students’ creative expression across various disciplines and resulted in several students earning accolades at the New Jersey PTA Reflections competition. Students Addison Fahe, Annabelle Iber, Drew Ryman, and Grayson Fun were recognized for their achievements and will advance to the state level.

The board also reported progress in the annex renovation project, with a building walkthrough completed and bids expected to open on April 2nd. The contract is expected to be awarded on April 8th, with hopes for competitive bidding. Additionally, a community cleanup project involving students and the county is scheduled for March 22nd at the Woodside property, fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.