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School board adopts FY 2026 recommended budget; gap of about $2.04 million remains
Summary
The Gloucester County School Board approved a FY 2026 recommended budget as presented; staff said the budget leaves a funding gap of roughly $2,037,084 that would require additional local appropriation or other adjustments.
The Gloucester County School Board voted to adopt the superintendent’s FY 2026 recommended operating budget as presented during the joint meeting, while officials acknowledged a remaining funding gap of approximately $2,037,084.
Superintendent Dr. Ladoux and finance staff summarized priorities in the requested budget, including a proposed 4.5% pay increase (a one‑step raise plus cost‑of‑living allowance), a projected 14% rise in health‑insurance costs, investment requests for instructional materials and devices, and additional student‑support positions such as elementary behavior interventionists and school‑based social workers. The superintendent emphasized the district’s student needs and referenced enrollment trends showing steady to declining enrollment through FY 2028.
Finance staff presented the overall funding picture and noted the recommended operating budget totals (slides in the packet). The superintendent said the budget leaves a funding gap of about $2,037,084 between recommended spending and currently available funding, and he asked that the boards continue discussions on how to address that gap.
After questions, a motion to adopt the FY 2026 recommended budget “as presented on slide 21” passed by roll call vote. Members recorded as voting in favor during the roll call included Mister Drew, Miss Parker, Mister Anderson, Miss Solomon, Miss Scruggs and Mister Sinovic; the motion carried.
Board staff noted next steps: school staff must submit the final budget to the Board of Supervisors by the county’s April 1 deadline for further consideration during the supervisors’ budget process. The superintendent and staff asked the supervisors to consider additional local funding to close the stated gap; supervisors indicated they would review the request during upcoming work sessions and a public advertisement of tax rates.
The board also discussed declining enrollment, program priorities and potential operational efficiencies; staff said adjustments would be pursued via attrition and other savings where possible, and that the school division will continue to refine the budget during the county deliberations.
