Collingswood board adopts 2025-26 budget using state tax-levy incentive; average homeowner faces about $92.47 monthly increase

The Collingswood Public School District Board of Education on May 6 approved its final 2025-26 budget, using a state "tax levy incentive aid" allowance to raise local taxes and avoid the immediate elimination of staff and programs.

Superintendent Dr. McDowell opened the board—s committee-of-the-whole presentation on the budget, saying the district—s theme for the year is "supporting our continued growth." He and district finance staff described a multi-year structural shortfall and said the package prevents the kinds of layoffs and school closures considered last year.

The board—s resolution, read into the record at the meeting, said the district applied to the New Jersey Department of Education for permission to increase expenditures by $4,110,955 and that the state approved tax-levy incentive aid connected to that increase. Business administrator Beth Ann explained the award and the district—s plan to spend the funds: "We were awarded 4.1 with 3.9 being local taxes. We're putting the 3.9 in our budget," she said. The district reported a total base budget of $51,342,182 with a local tax levy of $25,066,170 as presented at the hearing.

Board members and administrators framed the vote as a trade-off: accept a one-time increase in local taxes to avoid immediate, deep cuts, or hold off and face closures and layoffs. The district said without the additional revenue it would have needed to cut 30–35 staff, close at least one elementary school and move many extracurricular programs to fully "pay-to-play." The business office also displayed two-year enrollment and revenue trends and said the district faces continued uncertainty from federal and state program changes.

District officials gave specific fiscal and program details to justify the package. The business administrator said the district drew on roughly $808,100 in audited surplus and illustrated the budget—s composition: about 54.7% local taxes, 25.1% state aid and smaller shares from tuition and reserves. The superintendent said the district has brought in roughly $7.1 million in grants over the last three years to offset shortfalls and described operational savings such as cooperative purchasing, shared services agreements and a joint insurance fund.

Administrators also highlighted investments the budget would support: restoring technology and general supplies that had been deferred, sustaining MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) staffing, continuing preschool expansion (the Coles at Parkview campus, expected to serve roughly 45–60 children), and maintaining in-district special-education placements to avoid costly out-of-district tuition.

Board discussion and public comment emphasized community impact and process. The business administrator presented one widely cited line for homeowner impact: with an average assessed value of $450,200, the increase presented in the budget equates to about $92.47 per month (roughly $1,110 per year) for the average property. Several residents — including seniors and parents — urged the board to consider phased or borough-supported alternatives. Administrators and board members said they had discussed a possible phased ("banked") tax increase with borough leaders but that current approvals include the full increment and that any phase-in or additional borough support would require separate negotiations and approvals.

The board voted on a motion to adopt the final budget as revised for the tax-levy incentive aid. The roll call recorded eight yes votes and one abstention (Missus Zee), and the motion passed. The resolution also authorized withdrawals from capital and maintenance reserves for specified emergent repairs and set travel caps consistent with NJ regulations.

Why it matters: District leaders said the package averts immediate program and staff cuts that would have reduced services for students and forced expanded out-of-district placements. Board members cautioned the budget leaves little margin for inflation or future cuts: administrators said the district—s award did not fully close an $8.69 million local fair-share gap the state calculates, and they warned that lower-than-expected state aid or federal program cuts could re-create deficits next year.

The board adopted the budget after the public hearing required under state law. The adopted documents will proceed to county and state review and then be posted in the district—s official budget document set.

A few of the specific figures discussed at the meeting: the district said it faced a structural deficit of about $3.6 million for the 2025-26 year before the tax-levy allowance; administrators cited a prior-year reconciliation that involved cutting 21 positions; the district reported an enrollment decline of about 62 pupils in the department—s February projection; and the proposed 2025-26 local levy was presented at $25,066,170.

Board President Mr. Craig called the final roll after an amendment to correct the public notice date; the motion to adopt the budget then carried.