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Robbinsville residents, students urge preserving sports and arts as district confronts multimillion‑dollar shortfall
Summary
At a public forum, Robbinsville residents, students and staff pressed the district to protect extracurriculars and avoid further teacher cuts after administrators warned of a roughly $1.7 million shortfall and rising fixed costs; the administration said options will be proposed in early January and any tax referendum would be decided by voters.
The Robbinsville Public Schools superintendent opened a packed public forum Monday, telling residents the district faces a structural budget shortfall and urging community input before any formal proposals are made. "What's important today is hearing your voice," the superintendent said, and he warned that "we start out with a $1,700,000 deficit this year" while fixed expenses are rising by about $2,600,000 annually.
Students, parents and longtime residents testified at length about the consequences of proposed cuts, repeatedly urging the board and administration to preserve athletics, music and club programs. "Nothing is more important than the well‑being of our children," said Christine Zwolak, who cited research linking extracurricular participation to higher grades and improved mental health. Abigail Temple, an RHS senior, told…
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