Board reviews state 'Taxpayers' Guide' and adopts board goals for 2025–26

Miss Coleman presented the New Jersey Department of Education’s annual Taxpayers' Guide to Education Spending with Collingswood's comparative metrics. For the 2023–24 indicator year she reported the district's per‑pupil total budgetary cost ranked 10 of 74 in its preK–12 peer group and classroom‑instruction spending ranked 12 of 74. Administrative cost indicators were described as lower than many peers (administrative cost rank ~8/74) and the district's share of employee benefits was reported around 31% of salary, with projections that benefits could rise toward the low‑to‑mid 30s in coming years.

Coleman said the packet and the links to the state's public data will be posted online and encouraged borough‑wide sharing so residents understand how property‑tax dollars are spent. Board members asked clarifying questions about ranking interpretation, peer‑group definition and the effects of district size on per‑pupil calculations; Coleman and other trustees explained that rankings are unit rates (cost per pupil) rather than absolute budget size.

Separately, Dr. Seltzer summarized outcomes from an August board retreat and the board agreed on three priorities for the coming school year: (1) ensure all students have access to rigorous academic pathways; (2) develop and implement standardized periodic culture and climate benchmarks for students, staff and families; and (3) build a consolidated, proactive communications protocol for district and borough audiences.

What’s next: Coleman will post the Taxpayers' Guide materials and links; the board plans periodic check‑ins on progress toward the stated goals.