Board approves 2025–26 budget, personnel appointments and resolutions; tax levy set at $45.19 million

The New Providence Board of Education on April 24 approved a package of agenda items that included the districtproposed 202526#8211;26 budget, personnel appointments and a resolution recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week.

The board voted to adopt the finance slate of items 1 through 9, which staff said included the proposed 202526#8211;26 general fund budget with a tax levy of $45,192,000 and an estimated 2.24% increase on an average home valued at $790,000 (about $214). Joe Walsh, who moved the finance items on the agenda as finance committee chair, said the package included the MPEF (Ed Foundation) grant previously presented to the district.

The budget presentation preceding the vote noted a $1,865,000 increase in general fund expenditures for 202526#8211;26 driven primarily by anticipated employee benefits increases and other cost pressures. Presenters told the board they were using $17 from the districtcap bank and that the district had $1 remaining in cap banking. The presentation said state aid decreased by about $97,000 from the prior year and ratables rose roughly 0.1%.

Also approved during the public meeting were education and personnel action blocks. The board approved an education slate (items 126#8211;4) that included a resolution recognizing Teacher Recognition Week from May 4through May 10, 2025. The personnel slate (items 126#8211;9) included administrative appointments discussed by the superintendent, including the hiring of Michael Cristatello as middle school principal and the appointment of Winard (first name not specified) as department head of language arts, both effective July 1.

Roll-call votes recorded board members as voting aye, and meeting minutes from previous business and closed sessions were approved. The board also completed second readings of board policy items listed on the agenda and voted to adopt those items as presented.

Votes at a glance - Motion: Move items 126#8211;9 (finance slate including proposed 202526#8211;26 budget and MPEF grant acceptance). Mover: Joe Walsh. Outcome: approved (roll call recorded ayes from present members). Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0. Notes: budget presentation preceded the vote; public hearing opened and closed with no public comments recorded. - Motion: Move items 126#8211;4 (education slate including Teacher Recognition Week resolution). Mover: Dr. Epstein Hayden. Second: recorded as "Donna." Outcome: approved (roll call ayes). Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0. - Motion: Move personnel items 126#8211;9 (appointments and personnel changes). Mover: Miss Gunderman. Outcome: approved (roll call ayes). Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0.

Why it matters: The budget vote sets the districttax levy and spending priorities for the 202526#8211;26 school year; personnel approvals fill key instructional and building leadership roles before the next school year.

What the board did next: The meeting moved into committee reports and then recessed to a closed session for student matters.