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Fiscal Year 2027

Preliminary Budget Update

April 13, 2026

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Dr. Kristina Susca

Superintendent of Schools

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Denise M. DeRosa

School Business Administrator

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2026-2027 Preliminary Budget Summary

Preliminary Budget presented on 3/23/26 proposed tax levy increase of 4.14%

Maintained:

  • Schools fully staffed with qualified personnel
  • Instructional resources - update and align to standards (ELA, Math, Science & MLL)
  • Courtesy transportation for students on hazardous routes

Included:

  • Facilities improvements (HS Cupola, HS Water Service Line, Bartle Fire Alarm, Bartle Boiler(s), Replacement Exterior Lights)
  • Increase Preschool enrollment by 15 students
  • Support for New Math Curriculum Grades K-5

Not Supported:

  • Makerspace at the Middle school
  • Four Assistant Administrative Assistants
  • One Nurse (MS & HS to be shared)
  • One Media Center Specialist
  • One fewer Bartle Interventionist (going from 4 to 3)
  • One Secondary Social Studies Teacher

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Preliminary Budget Unknowns

  • Contract obligations
    • Unknown costs for health benefit renewal
  • Look for ways to save money
    • Student Enrollment/Needs
    • Least impact on student achievement

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2026-2027 Budget Update

Primary Budget Impact: Health Benefit Renewals

  • Preliminary projection increase of 32%
  • $1.5 million increase to overall operating budget
  • Factors
      • Medical loss ratio 94%
      • Prescription loss ratio is 211%

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2026-2027 Budget Update

Updated renewal information:

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Medical/Prescription* = 26.1% increase

Dental = 5% increase

*Projected savings includes the District migrating weight loss GLP1s to Brown & Brown Direct GLP1 Program

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Projected Cost Savings = $376,000

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**The State provides a Health Benefits Adjustment allowing for an increase of up to $1,052,590 above the 2% cap, representing a total projected tax levy adjustment of 5.13%. The tentative budget included approx. $719,000 of this adjustment which equates to a tax levy of 4.14%.

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2026-2027 Budget Update

Transportation Update:

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Based on clarification and directives provided by the DOE as part of the budgeting process because our district does not provide transportation for our local public school students based on distance, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:27-2.2(b) the district does not have the legal authority to issue Aid in Lieu payments to families of nonpublic students.

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Projected Cost Savings AIL Payments = $225,000

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2026-2027 Budget Update

Next Steps:

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Superintendent will review all feedback and suggestions to make final recommendation to the Board ahead of the Public Budget Hearing April 27, 2026