Board adopts 2025–26 budget 6‑3 after tense public comment; counselors and support staff urge reversal of cuts including director position

The Washington Township Board of Education on May 13 approved a 2025–26 budget by a 6‑3 vote after extended public comment focusing on proposed staff cuts, including elimination of the district director of counseling position.

The budget vote came after many residents, school counselors and district employees urged the board to reverse recent decisions. “Eliminating this position removes our voice as counselors at the table where decisions are made and policies are formed,” Wedgwood Elementary counselor Christy White told the board, urging reconsideration of the cut to the district director of counseling.

Speakers detailed the director’s role coordinating counseling across all grades, emergency response, crisis work and advocacy for removing state testing duties from counselors. Rowan University professor Kara Eva described a long partnership between the university and the district and said Director Jennifer…