Roselle Park School Board reveals budget with tax increase and new initiatives

The Roselle Park Board of Education convened on April 24, 2025, for a budget meeting aimed at reviewing the preliminary budget and discussing key financial initiatives for the upcoming school year. The meeting began with a presentation by the school business administrator, who outlined various aspects of the budget, including curriculum initiatives and funding sources.

The administrator highlighted that all elementary schools will implement a unified bell schedule starting next year, promoting consistency and equity among staff and students. The budget includes significant grants, such as $272,553 from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and $387,419 from the IDEA grant, both of which are based on previous year's funding levels. The administrator expressed hope for increased funding in these areas.

In terms of facilities, the budget allocates approximately $520,000 for maintenance projects, including playground upgrades and HVAC equipment replacements. The administrator noted that these funds would address aging components rather than complete system overhauls. Additionally, summer projects related to the ROD grant are expected to commence in July, with completion before the school year begins.

The financial presentation included a breakdown of revenue sources, indicating a 0.44% increase in local taxes and a 1.16% increase in state aid. Special revenue saw a notable rise of 6.62%, primarily due to the preschool grant. The general fund tax levy for the year is set at $24,185,714, reflecting a 2.95% increase compared to the previous year. Importantly, the district has paid off its debt service, resulting in no debt for the upcoming year.

The administrator concluded the presentation by emphasizing the budget's commitment to fiscal responsibility while addressing the educational needs of students. The meeting transitioned to board appointments and employment contracts, marking the next steps in the district's administrative processes. Overall, the budget meeting underscored the district's proactive approach to financial planning and educational support.