Collingswood board votes to apply for $6.44 million in one‑time state tax‑levy incentive aid

The Collingswood Board of Education voted by roll call to submit an application to the New Jersey Department of Education seeking $6,442,543 in increased general fund appropriations for fiscal year 2026, including $6,135,755 to be raised through the local tax levy and an anticipated $306,788 in tax‑levy incentive aid from the state.

Board President Huey read the resolution into the record and framed the vote as the application step, not the final tax‑levy decision. She told the public that the district must submit the application by Monday the 14th; the NJDOE will then review the submission and notify the district which portions it concurs are necessary for a “thorough and efficient” education and how much of the requested levy increase it will approve. The board will later decide, during the budget vote on May 5, how much of any approved levy increase to adopt into the FY2026 budget.

"This step is the step to apply for the program," Board President Huey said, noting the department will return a determination and the board will take a subsequent vote on the actual tax levy increase.

Chair Craig explained the Buildings, Grounds and Finance committee’s role and the text of the resolution, which cites New Jersey Department of Education guidance dated March 28, 2025, authorizing eligible districts to apply for increased general fund appropriations under the FY2026 State Budget Appropriations Act. The resolution affirms that the district qualifies because its general fund tax levy and total expenditures fall below state‑determined targets and authorizes the School Business Administrator to submit all required documentation and to incorporate any approved increases into the FY2026 budget once granted.

Board members repeated that the application is time‑sensitive. Miss Coleman reported she contacted the NJDOE and was told the incentive is a one‑time infusion and that "banking" the cap across multiple years was not an option under current guidance. Several board members requested that the board be included in any future calls between the mayor and state officials to prevent confusion about policy or process.

A roll call vote recorded nine yes votes and three absences (Missus Seltzer, Missus Z, Mister McMillan). The resolution passed.

The board and speakers emphasized that if the NJDOE approves a smaller amount than requested, the board will discuss budget choices and priorities—citing teacher contracts and student‑facing programs as primary targets for funding—before taking the formal budget vote on May 5.