Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the District Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Woodbridge board hears budget presentation showing $4 million drop in aid, higher staffing costs
Summary
At a May 1 public meeting, Dr. Massimino presented the Woodbridge Township School District proposed budget, citing a $4 million reduction in state and federal aid, a $12.4 million increase in salaries and benefits, and program expansions including K–5 literacy screening and new autism classrooms.
The Wilbur Center Board of Education on May 1 heard a budget overview from Dr. Massimino outlining a proposed 2025–26 school budget that reflects roughly $4 million less in state and federal aid and higher personnel costs.
Dr. Massimino said the district “is 1 of the districts that lost state aid,” and that the proposed tax levy increase of 2% helps offset the shortfall. He told the board that total salaries and benefits show “a $12,400,000 increase,” and that out‑of‑district private tuition and transportation for students placed outside the district remain unconstrained and can increase substantially.
The presentation listed program and operating priorities the administration expects to fund if the budget is adopted. Dr. Massimino said the district will expand its tiered system of supports, extend the state‑required K–3 literacy screener to kindergarten through fifth grade, continue a high‑impact tutoring program, expand credit recovery for grades 6–12, and add equipment for broadcast journalism and middle‑school science curriculum updates. He also told the board the district plans to open four new elementary autism programs and one new high‑school autism program.
Board members asked clarifying questions and thanked the administration for cost‑saving measures. Board member Mister Harris said he appreciated the administration’s work in balancing the budget after the funding cut, noting “this year's budget is actually $4,000,000 less than it was last year.” Harris also raised two items for further committee discussion next week: a supplemental physical education program for RISE students and exploration of community solar options to reduce energy costs.
The presentation included capital and facilities projects carried forward from the district’s long‑range facilities plan. Dr. Massimino listed planned work including drainage at a middle school, lighting improvements at Woodbridge High School, egress work on Oaktree Road at School 29, parking upgrades at Ford's Middle School, a partial roof replacement at Kennedy Park School 24, VM server upgrades and core‑switch network refreshes, and Chromebook plan refreshes.
There were no members of the public present for comment. Dr. Massimino said the presentation materials would be posted on the district website and reminded the board that the final budget adoption is scheduled for the board meeting on May 8.
The chair closed the meeting after a motion to adjourn from Mister Treblasser, seconded by Mister Delpitro; the motion carried with members answering “Aye.”
