Roxbury board adopts tentative 2025–26 budget, cites long-term state aid losses and program investments

The Roxbury Township Board of Education on April 28 adopted a tentative 2025–26 budget that raises the local tax levy 4.37% to $65,092,464 and relies on one-time and formula adjustments to close gaps created by multiyear state-aid changes.

Superintendent Dr. Santora introduced the budget presentation and credited staff and administrators for building what he called “a balanced tentative budget,” while Business Administrator Mr. Mondanero walked the board and the public through revenue, expenditure and facilities items that shaped the plan.

The vote to approve the finance, education and personnel resolution blocks passed on roll call; the board also approved a motion to meet again in executive session. Board members registered a small number of recusals and abstentions on individual line items during the roll calls.

Why it matters: Roxbury officials said the district has lost roughly $5.2 million in state aid since 2020, a shift administrators tied to changes in the state funding formula and categorical aid flows. District leaders said the reductions have constrained operating choices even as the school system continues to fund special-education programs, safety and classroom supports.

Budget highlights and program investments

- Multi-tiered supports and assessment tools: Dr. Santora described the district’s progress implementing a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). The district has adopted the Linkit data platform and benchmark assessments in grades 3–8 to align interventions with the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA). Dr. Santora said the district uses benchmark data to “structure tailored instructional services and programs for students based on real time” performance data.

- Special-education expansion:…