Robbinsville board presents balanced budget plan, expands free preschool while offsetting a $300,000 state aid cut

The Robbinsville Board of Education unveiled a tentative budget plan at a special meeting that seeks to balance rising contractual costs and declining general-enrollment numbers while expanding the district's free preschool program.

Board President Mr. McCreese opened the March meeting, and Dr. Peter Pizzo, superintendent, and Dr. Wisniewski of central administration presented the budget framework. Nick (business administrator) and budget-area managers provided line-item detail and responded to board questions.

The administration said the draft applies the district's full allowable 2% tax levy. "Our 2 percent tax levy, full 2% will bring us $902,000," Nick said, and noted the levy is only one component of revenue used to close the gap caused by reduced state support and rising costs.

Why it matters: the presentation links a $300,000 cut in state aid to year-over-year planning, a larger-than-expected increase in health-care costs and rising contractual obligations. Those pressures shaped choices to protect classroom programs while expanding preschool and to use attrition rather than layoffs for most staffing adjustments.

Most important details

- State aid and tax levy: The board reported a $300,000 reduction in state aid for the coming year. The administration said the district will apply the full 2% local tax levy and the health-care adjustment allowed by the state (the presentation listed an $800,000 allowed health-care adjustment even though the estimate for benefits rose by about $1,100,000).

- Health-care and contractual costs: Presenters described an estimated…