Multiple residents addressed the Lacey Township Committee during public comment on May 20, urging municipal leaders to take a public position against significant proposed increases in the Lacey Township School District budget and to press for accountability from the district.

Speakers during the extended public-comment period included residents Andy Maciolek and a lengthy address from a commenter identified in the transcript as Mister Bidnick. Several speakers criticized the prospect of large tax increases tied to the school budget and urged the township to publicly advocate for fiscal restraint. One resident urged the committee to “stay within the 3.15% that we're legally allowed,” citing the state cap referenced in the meeting record. Others urged more active recruitment of candidates to run for the school board.

Committee members responded that liaisons meet with school officials and the superintendent on a recurring basis and described limits to the committee’s authority over the board of education, noting that the county superintendent and state process also weigh in. Committee members said they attend school-board meetings, hold quarterly liaison meetings with the superintendent and business administrator, and are in communication with county officials. The committee also noted constraints such as contract law, collective-bargaining obligations and the role of the county/state in approvals. One committee member said the municipal committee had already contacted county education officials to discuss impacts.

No formal direction to staff or formal resolution opposing a school budget increase was recorded in the May 20 meeting minutes; the public record shows a lengthy exchange of concerns and several residents asking the township to publicly advocate for limits on school tax increases.