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Hunterdon Central board adopts 2025–26 budget, cites enrollment decline and rising costs
Summary
The Hunterdon Central Regional High School District Board of Education voted to adopt the district's 2025'026 budget after a public hearing, preserving academic priorities while addressing declining enrollment and rising operational costs.
The Hunterdon Central Regional High School District Board of Education voted to adopt the district's final 2025'026 budget following a public hearing, board members said.
Business administrator Heather Spitzer told the board that while state aid increased about 6% year over year, that represented roughly $206,000 and equates to only 0.27% of the total budget. She said the district faces a 26% decline in enrollment over the last 10 years, and that enrollment declines are compounded because students who attend county vocational academies no longer count toward the district's enrollment for state aid calculations. "We have had a decrease of about 590 students since that program went into place," Spitzer said during the presentation.
The budget maintains funding for priorities the board previously approved, including work-based learning and an expanded dual-enrollment program; Superintendent Jessica Candelosi Haid noted dual-enrollment offerings have grown from about 15 courses to "50 or more." Administrators also said they are continuing programs originally funded by federal ESSER relief, expanding magnet-program options and further integrating an AI and wellness curriculum into district offerings.
Spitzer outlined other significant fiscal pressures: Chapter 44 changes to employee health-benefit contributions that took effect in 2020, higher utility and insurance costs (including cyber insurance), a 22% year-over-year increase for Class III officers, and projected growth in out-of-district tuition costs. She said the district has used capital and maintenance reserves strategically to smooth revenue timing and that an administrative reorganization is expected to yield approximately $180,000 in annual savings.
On capital projects, Spitzer said the district budgeted for roof replacements, HVAC work and repaving projects and has applied for state ROD grants that would reimburse up to 40% of eligible project costs. She cautioned that budgeted project figures are estimates pending bids and board approval for specific contracts.
The board conducted a roll-call vote and the motion to adopt the 2025'026 budget carried with recorded "yes" votes from the board members present.
