Washington Township board rejects tentative budget after hours of public testimony about staff cuts, sports and programs

The Washington Township School District board failed to carry its tentative 2025–26 budget (agenda item 27) after a lengthy public hearing in which dozens of parents, staff and residents urged the board to protect support staff and student programs.

The budget was presented as part of a slate of finance and facilities items; board members moved to approve items 1 through 28, including the budget (item 27). Public comment was dominated by concerns about reductions in hours and positions for support staff, possible elimination or fees for middle-school sports, out-of-district special-education tuition, and the process the board used to review the budget.

Employees and parents said cuts will harm students. Angela Teruso, identified in public comment as a district support-staff member, told the board: “Reduction in hours for 75 support staff members. And positions eliminated. So I guess I would like to have clarification on exactly what positions have reduction in hours…because basically that means that you're taking benefits away.” Several commenters said a reduction by as little as 15 minutes per day can cost workers benefits and pension eligibility.

Residents asked for details on proposed pay‑to‑play sports fees and gate revenues; Randy Ford asked where the district’s projected $150,000 in pay‑to‑play revenue came from. Business administrator Janine (last name not specified in transcript) said the district used conservative estimates based on current athlete counts and neighboring districts’ models and that specific sports subject to pay‑to‑play were still being finalized; she also said communications would follow with which sports and fees would apply.

Multiple commenters raised the district’s out‑of‑district tuition line (one speaker referenced “$9,000,000 of tuition” shown in a presentation) and urged shifting resources to keep specialized programs in-district when possible. The assistant superintendent for special education and student services described efforts to bring students back in‑district and to expand specialized programming, but also noted physical space and staffing limits for certain special‑education placements.

Board discussion after public comment addressed process and next steps. The transcript shows the board moved to approve the slate but then voted on item 27 (the budget) by roll call. The public transcript repeatedly records members saying they would vote “no” on item 27; the moderator announced, “Number 27 did not carry.” After the vote the board president and administrators said they would consult the county superintendent and schedule a special meeting; the county superintendent typically requires immediate follow-up if a tentative budget is not adopted.

What the board will do next: administrators said the county superintendent is likely to require the board to hold a special meeting before the New Jersey deadline (noted in the meeting as May 7) to attempt to resolve the budget. Board and district leaders told the public they would meet with staff and the administration to identify next steps, and administrators warned that notices to some staff could be mailed while the board works through a revised budget plan.

Ending: The board did not adopt the tentative budget. The meeting record captures the public testimony, the board’s roll-call vote on item 27, and administrators’ statements that they will work with the county superintendent and schedule follow-up meetings to produce a revised plan for the community’s review.