South River Board approves $61.16 million 2025-26 school budget; tax rate rises about 1.31%

The South River Board of Education on Monday approved a $61,161,580 budget for the 2025-26 school year that district officials said preserves staffing levels, adds several student programs and capital items, and limits the local tax increase to about 1.31%.

Dr. Zircher, superintendent of the South River Public School District, opened the public budget hearing with an overview saying the budget is aligned with district goals and state standards, noting priorities that include instruction, special education, facilities maintenance and student mental-health supports. "This budget addresses student programs, instruction, academic improvement, as well as facilities and maintenance, staffing, professional development," Dr. Zircher said during the presentation.

The budget presentation, given in greater detail by Mr. Rosa, broke revenue and expenditure items: $2.8 million in excess surplus carried from the prior year, roughly $32.7 million in state aid (a reported 1.9% reduction from the prior year), $3.1 million in preschool aid, and other federal and local sources that yield the $61,161,580 total. Mr. Rosa said, "This gives us a total of…