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Bound Brook Board adopts $62.7 million 2025–26 budget as enrollment grows
Summary
After a brief public hearing with no speakers, the Bound Brook Board of Education unanimously adopted the 2025–26 final budget totaling $62,731,078, citing steady enrollment growth, a modular classroom addition funded by a PEA grant, and added staff and capital projects.
The Bound Brook Board of Education unanimously approved the district—inal budget for the 2025 nd'026 school year, adopting a total budget of $62,731,078 and a local tax levy of $14,244,882 after a public hearing at the April meeting.
District officials opened the budget presentation by describing enrollment growth and program investments. "We are providing education now for about an increase of 75 students each year," the district presenter said, noting that sustained student growth is "favorable for a district's financial health" because it can bring additional revenue.
Key elements of the adopted budget include a modular classroom addition at Lamont School tied to a PEA grant that the board expects to be ready by 01/01/2026, six additional instructional staff positions (one bilingual math teacher, three high school teachers in math, science and social studies, and two special education teachers), approximately $2,000,000 for capital projects, and $900,000 for new equipment.
The resolution presented detailed state aid estimates: equalization aid of $33,438,223; school choice aid of $131,835; categorical special education aid of $2,511,744; categorical security aid of $830,194; preschool education aid of $1,768,877; debt service aid of $870,480; and an estimated extraordinary aid amount of $200,000. The board also established a district travel maximum of $57,500 for 2025 nd'026 in compliance with policy and NJ Administrative Code provisions.
Health insurance costs were highlighted as a major appropriation line. The presentation described projected increases and negotiation steps taken to reduce an initial projection (variously described in presentation remarks as moving from 19.5% to lower negotiated figures) before settling on a lower, more sustainable rate.
Board members opened the hearing for public comment specifically on the budget; no community members spoke. The motion to adopt the final budget was made by Miss High and seconded by Mister Dawson. A roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from the members present and the motion passed.
Board members thanked administrators for putting the budget together and noted that transfers and amendments could be considered during the year if adjustments are needed. The board instructed district officers to file required documents with the executive county superintendent as part of the adoption process.
The board's approval follows the committee review and reflects the district—ocus on bilingual resources, special education, staffing to serve additional students, and capital investments to support growth.
The board recorded the vote by roll call; the motion carried with all board members present voting in favor. The district will proceed with implementation and required filings with county and state education officials.
