Hopewell Valley board adopts tentative $92 million 2025–26 budget; tax levy to rise about 4.1%

At its March 17 meeting, the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education approved a tentative $92,000,000 budget for the 2025–26 school year that carries a local tax‑levy increase of about 4.1 percent. The board cast a roll‑call vote to adopt the tentative budget for submission to the county superintendent; the vote was 8 in favor, 1 opposed.

The nut graf: district leaders said the package keeps most programs intact while narrowing the use of one‑time savings, responds to rising benefit and insurance costs, and relies on two state waivers that raise the permissible tax levy above the 2 percent cap.

Superintendent Doctor Therese introduced the proposal as a reflection of community priorities: "Our budget reflects our values as a community," she said, asking the board to approve a tentative budget that maintains programming while being fiscally responsible. The presentation described revenue and expense drivers and outlined proposed cost‑control measures for the coming year.

Key budget figures and drivers presented by staff: the tentative budget totals roughly $92 million;…