Basking Ridge resident challenges Board of Education on tax increase decisions

The Bernards Township School District held a meeting on May 28, 2025, where key discussions centered around budgetary concerns and community engagement. The meeting transitioned into public comment after initial updates, allowing residents to voice their opinions and questions regarding the district's financial decisions.

Pamela Haviland, a long-time attendee of the Board of Education meetings, raised significant concerns about the district's recent tax increases. She questioned the rationale behind the board's decision to implement a 0% tax increase in the previous year, despite indications of rising costs and lower enrollment. Haviland expressed frustration that the board had not taken advantage of the state allowance for a 2% increase, suggesting that a more consistent approach to tax increases could have mitigated the current financial strain.

Haviland also proposed exploring alternative funding methods, such as a "pay to play" system for certain programs, referencing her own experience of paying for middle school sports. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the district's reputation for quality education, which contributes to the high real estate values in the area.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the board to continue studying the financial impact of their decisions and to report back to the community in the future. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the district in balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of the community.