[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6034656,"mediaKeyId","5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc","parentId",5123378,"title","Voorhees to consolidate kindergarten bus routes with grades 1–5 for 2025–26","audioSeconds",1989,"startMs",309000,"endMs",2298000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc&start=309&end=2298","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc/thumbnail_309000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6034656/New-Jersey/Voorhees-to-consolidate-kindergarten-bus-routes-with-grades-15-for-202526","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6034656-7248fb016e1e817ae63c685cf71c033e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214458&Signature=hQX5eenGalOF4OHTcUVz3aSfGCcq7Q8LmXnHZz7fV7BmS7iss2SR1AeZzz6i8VDKK1lMBx8sdxyOMJic5kC~lNIVDZNOvN0014WP8a1TBBp80u0HhMXv6YiUWioXwwtVRI6zw7pP7VZd6SLvyT27Ubk6g5jRo4mIVAhWL6j4GJiLZNqhd5P-sgP7t4WR9DTPeQ5hzktKqHmY~agV4tusgXdtQaylfijNURer~dOXH~X92YO2fRU2~NTAsaYoSLcGqJAUB0m6dEAmAeHYjczm~iyItyF7eLt04W6sV29LCe73sfFDLQ1TyoSZdlBMxMfqclLAlfqmO6nQf4cn5ewP-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Voorhees Township Board of Education","date","2025-05-08T12:54:35Z","article","Voorhees Township school officials said they will consolidate kindergarten bus routes into K–5 routes beginning in the 2025–26 school year, standardizing transportation eligibility and moving away from separate kindergarten-only runs.

The change was explained during the budget presentation: \"We're consolidating kindergarten bus routes into K to 5 routes,\" Helen Haley said, noting that previously kindergarten students had separate buses and the district will now place qualifying kindergarten students on the same bus as first through fifth graders.

The superintendent and staff held a Zoom information session for kindergarten parents on March 27 and said only about six parents attended; administrators announced two additional sessions, scheduled for May 28 and Aug. 19 at 6 p.m., to explain the changes and safety plans. Dr. Hackett said the district will continue outreach because many parents are newly registering students.

Why it matters: Consolidating routes affects families who rely on separate kindergarten transportation and may change pickup and drop-off logistics for affected households; the district said eligibility criteria are being standardized and that the change is on track for the coming school year.

The finance committee and administration said the transport modification is approved as part of routine transportation items; the board later approved transportation items on the consent agenda.

Ending: Administrators will hold additional parent meetings and publish eligibility and route details; the approved plan will be implemented for the 2025–26 school year.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 7, 2025 Voorhees BOE Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The district will consolidate kindergarten routes into K–5 routes for the 2025–26 school year, change intended to reduce separate kindergarten-only buses; the district held a Zoom meeting for parents and plans two additional information sessions.","taxTitle","Voorhees Township School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",60866,"location","New Jersey","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6034661,"Board approves architect, auditor, solicitor and labor-counsel contracts",167,1272000,1439000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc&start=1272&end=1439","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc/thumbnail_1272000.jpg","/articles/6034661/New-Jersey/Board-approves-architect-auditor-solicitor-and-labor-counsel-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6034661-cde031f6e69d8f1e71838a4741651b1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214458&Signature=TXchVXIYLxFC4xOS15w5~gy3lsiPy0c9nHp0tc~eXzT1OdwAlJJ7BtjS-Kb176lafD9i4oWfoGpBUBf11vt-VhfXcM5FBY8z05ncGAjYLUQiElxqm5cjpqcFn4mf6-~RuXKo3rk4kofeBN4aGCVSZwIGpfESqOHxQ6tG0F-ukl9AhQ7-TS7IEgliqMaiTAYfNxJLFTNUWWl2ckbM8ckH-4kap~bnqzj13oPA0d4PKeP45PSkSBIZCEAuA80pWwziJDnkPsRzQTfnRlLUqxK600Tp0C2kA4Q9AGqst4dJZecoUjWv3yRSq9DT5IWvSsMMsCVs7K8LTlyU81gEt~tNxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Voorhees Township Board of Education approved several professional-service appointments and contracts for 2025–26, awarding architect, auditing, solicitor and labor counsel engagements with stated rates and budgeted maximums.

The board approved appointing \"Fraytek Vice Hopkins Doofy, P.C.\" (as read into the record) as architect of record for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, at variable hourly rates ($75 to $155) budgeted at $40,000. The board also approved appointing Todd Sailor of Bowman & Company LLP as auditor for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with fees based on time and a not-to-exceed total of $86,000 (general fund $65,500; CER $10,000; food services $10,000).

The board voted to appoint Gorman, Danella and Morlock as board solicitor for 07/01/2025–06/30/2026 at budgeted rates, and the motion passed on roll call 8–1; one board member voted no during the roll-call on that item. The board also approved a labor-counsel contract with Frank Cavallo of Parker McKay for the period 07/01/2025–06/30/2026 at $185 per hour budgeted at $15,000 and a physician-services contract with Dr. David Horner, D.O., for $20,900 for the year.

Why it matters: Professional-service contracts set the district’s legal, audit and design representation and set budgeted ceilings for outside legal and technical work.

Most appointments passed unanimously on voice/online vote after motions and seconds were recorded. The solicitor appointment required a roll-call tally and carried 8 yes, 1 no. Contract terms, hourly rates and budgeted maximums were read into the record as part of consent business.

Ending: The appointed firms will provide services for the 2025–26 school year under the approved rates and budgeted totals; the board recorded the contracts as part of its standard annual appointments.

","The board appointed firms for professional services for the 2025–26 year, including an architect of record, auditor, board solicitor and labor counsel; most votes were unanimous except the solicitor appointment, which passed 8–1.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6034665,"Voorhees board debate over conduct policy spills into public forum; first read approved",962,2696000,3658000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc&start=2696&end=3658","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc/thumbnail_2696000.jpg","/articles/6034665/New-Jersey/Voorhees-board-debate-over-conduct-policy-spills-into-public-forum-first-read-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6034665-2a626ad5a8a77b81463863e1cf6c3512/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214458&Signature=WwW9o7YS~fDPiIkLsshUFRnB988aJgG8CZr1jtNTiVjSQXnvq3oLtXJ-1il9htNXuksPcZMmt8oyxRdCG8jSRM0B~dPXU2V23DwV-zO2V81kwicI-RpRtjlN4TB3YlneUB9KtbNx-it1W0OCm-R49Q-WDabyMukAXXjhIF3WcNqRrEj6AQwH-5V2we1FWT~yvxWv~PAb6PfwMTYcshlSXRvtyCK-OXxNatWMMwTCpYRaKZHQI9bH~V8UwptBs~fovwWnLKBIMXzwGmCNAzXpHtrDupkA-Owrtqu2EQMQVtuGAg46f5baiwTHEuFOcRPB8Z2hz3gtaIiY2GcW1Laxug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Voorhees Township Board of Education on first read approved a proposed conduct policy, 0164.1, that would impose limits and standards on board members’ comments at public meetings after an extended debate among board members and public commenters.

Board member Miss Verdi led a forceful opposition during the meeting’s policy discussion, saying the draft was “an attempt to codify control” and warning it would “suppress open dialogue” and “mute dissenting voices.” Verdi argued the policy’s vague terms could be used to silence disagreement and urged tabling or rejection of the draft.

Why it matters: The policy governs how elected board members may speak during public meetings, and opponents said it risks chilling robust oversight and public trust; supporters said the board needs clear standards to keep meetings focused and productive.

Supporters of the policy said rules are intended to maintain order, noting community members are limited to three minutes in public comment and the board should operate under similar constraints to protect meeting efficiency. One board member described the policy as necessary because “people have abused their power to make comments” and said committee work provides ample opportunity for full discussion.

Public commenters, including a longtime teacher, also criticized the policy at the meeting, saying decorum rules conflict with the district’s educational values and risk limiting elected members’ ability to question administration and represent constituents. The teacher called the policy “against every philosophical belief I hold as a teacher” and said elected officials must be able to disagree publicly.

The board first read and approved the policy amid a roll-call/online tally; the meeting chair reported nine overall yes votes on the policy packet but noted three board members voted no specifically on the conduct-policy item. Miss Verdi was among the recorded no votes; two other board members also voted no on the item.

Ending: The policy advanced on first read and may return for a second read and final adoption at a future meeting; members and public speakers said they expect further debate on scope and enforcement before a final vote.

","Board members sharply debated proposed policy 0164.1 on conduct during public meetings. Board member Miss Verdi argued the draft would \"silence dissent,\" while other members defended time limits and decorum; the policy advanced on first read with six votes in favor and three opposed.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6034671,"Voorhees preschool opening delayed after township inspector requires additional work",1850,1959000,3809000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc&start=1959&end=3809","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc/thumbnail_1959000.jpg","/articles/6034671/New-Jersey/Voorhees-preschool-opening-delayed-after-township-inspector-requires-additional-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6034671-44481d83c2517eabec73c82ea7b98a55/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214458&Signature=BiF5W1jNojdWlmro~vOL~iRFWVg51ePYyX4Npx8jYXdxdpUIQkhq8u5MPSyospU5mXX1UZfBALP6Ixff3pyuN3Pv9Hq-2VK0vzNQP108s1Q3bgT2q5mREyKmIoQB3ZtluKt6PeaPkD9DEqo2Wjj2IT0heNUpARXV5Uh4CnIezGkPH6NYqsoXMBY06ohsQVuz1a1V6yGsrPCPJFmW-Fu8cVbeP30MrB3kRDzlVh6shMTL03fwi7NcXzjwAaizNMs7dIGaymXrhJ1YkJl6JcvixDUMbcIH7pmGJFyqNBbUkgTmtPjHy7lBAJA0S9izZs8g0gDWVBP0gEnNp3fO5RoTgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Voorhees Township school officials told the board that the district’s new Early Childhood Development Center did not open on the planned date after township inspectors requested additional work before issuing a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO).

Helen Haley, the district’s business administrator and board secretary, told the board that the district had believed it had met TCO requirements but that building inspectors had asked for additional items to be addressed. “All these items will be completed by Friday, and we are requesting an inspection early next week,” Haley said.

Why it matters: The delay affects where preschool services will be delivered this spring and summer and requires short-term operational changes. The finance committee reported that food service will be transported from another school until the new kitchen is completed and that the district is approving required change orders to move the project forward.

In the finance committee report, members said additional requirements stemmed from a new Township construction inspector whose interpretation of code led to added items and change orders the district did not anticipate. The committee said it met with township officials to clarify differences between requirements for a TCO and a full certificate of occupancy and that it is hopeful the remaining issues will be clarified so an inspection can proceed promptly.

District officials said the kitchen was expected to be completed in time for the start of the school year in September 2025; in the meantime, food service will operate out of another school. The committee also reviewed related ROD grant work, boilers at two schools, and an HVAC replacement wing at the middle school.

Ending: District staff said they will request an inspection early next week and that they will continue to provide updates about timing and any required change orders.

","Officials said the temporary certificate of occupancy for the new early childhood center remains pending after a township inspector required additional items; the finance committee recommended approval of change orders and administrators expect an inspection early next week.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6034676,"Voorhees board adopts 2025–26 budget with 2% tax levy increase",1140,80000,1220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc&start=80&end=1220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5123378-58d85ede4b84bc015ad45b7064ff6bdc/thumbnail_80000.jpg","/articles/6034676/New-Jersey/Voorhees-board-adopts-202526-budget-with-2-tax-levy-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6034676-adf31ced76e70bfce947c91c6e0abeaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214458&Signature=FSqULcBNFdRM98GTD0uCbNG~9pQ2vWLe6E2z-Trt9~7AMd~YM~kShJUr2mTDIjsQr9CT6gtT0iXIm0X~vYQxNIyXQ5~JAl9yom2Y3qdNwR73fkneVTL5lD6TrurUmg~kQr-MYG-UvPYIXlXU3o6MUrLZ8qBklBHDTJroVeM6hVfYRwHGSljwwXJ5ZqW5zJKbZMim84k1CEJWXw2TbFquQ6KmaNJtF7OjUGKX9UoiS6tbgqMZ17J5h4fPnA8NhonmULBclQpjQt6FGLs2XvsXpf6YwSs~XZdV1t7wWHwq4uy8D9iJna5NVwWjp0JkaB0v2DrsH42BzJivqVmodft6fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Voorhees Township Board of Education adopted its final 2025–26 budget after a public hearing, approving a total budget of about $73,000,006.79 and a 2% increase in the tax levy to help balance the district’s revenues and expenses.

Business administrator and board secretary Helen Haley presented the budget summary, saying the district’s total state aid for 2025–26 is $5,249,002.55 and that, despite an increase in formula funding, the district saw a real-dollar decline because a prior-year stabilization aid was not repeated. “From our standpoint in real dollars, we went down because we did not get the stabilization aid,” Haley said.

The nut graf: The board approved the advertised budget and the required reserve withdrawals to cover capital and maintenance needs while limiting near-term tax impact. The district is using $680,004.72 from capital reserve, $456,003.63 from maintenance reserve and $4,049 from emergency reserve; the board also applied a calculated fund-balance withdrawal to close the books for the prior year.

The board’s presentation laid out revenue and spending choices: local property taxes, which make up roughly 72.6% of revenue, state aid (about 16.1%), and limited use of reserves. Haley said the net general-fund balance is down $635,001.42 from the prior year; to fund operations and capital needs the board increased the tax levy by 2%, an increase Haley quantified on average homes as roughly $82.52 annually ($6.87 per month). She also noted that district ratables rose modestly—about $1.86 million, or roughly 0.6 percent—so the effective taxpayer change is about 1.93%.

The advertised budget and required statements were read into the record, including the purpose for the capital-reserve withdrawal: $680,004.72 is budgeted for facility work “such as installation of security cameras and systems for $83,000, door hardware security enhancements $475,000, and a playground upgrade of $122,004.72,” Haley read from the published statement. Haley also explained limits on reserve use: emergency reserve may be used only for health-care increases and security items; maintenance reserve for required maintenance; and capital reserve only for long-term projects.

A resident asked for line-item detail and questioned whether door hardware purchases required wholesale door replacements; Haley said an advertised budget lists appropriation lines and that a user-friendly budget would be posted the next day. She explained that some door replacements occurred after a security review recommended changes to locks and configurations and that some locks were replaced without replacing doors to expedite the security rollout. “You can’t do it all in one year because the money’s not there,” Haley said.

The board opened the public hearing, took public comment, closed the hearing and then moved to adopt the final budget. The motion to adopt passed by voice vote with the board president calling the vote and the online tally recorded as unanimous.

Ending: The adopted budget includes reserved funds for listed capital projects and maintains a policy of a modest 2% levy increase; administrators said they will publish a user-friendly budget and additional detail on reserve uses after the meeting.

","The Voorhees Township Board of Education adopted a $73 million fiscal 2025–26 budget that uses reserves and a 2% tax levy increase to cover a $635,001 decrease in net balance, funds capital projects including security camera and playground upgrades, and includes a preschool expansion funded by state aid.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Voorhees to consolidate kindergarten bus routes with grades 1–5 for 2025–26

Board approves architect, auditor, solicitor and labor-counsel contracts

Voorhees board debate over conduct policy spills into public forum; first read approved

Voorhees preschool opening delayed after township inspector requires additional work

Voorhees board adopts 2025–26 budget with 2% tax levy increase