Robbinsville superintendent outlines $2.2M operating shortfall, schedules public input on options including sports and program changes

Robbinsville Superintendent Patrick Pizzo told the Board of Education on Dec. 16 that the district faces a recurring operating shortfall of about $2.2 million for the 2026–27 school year and asked the community to help shape potential solutions.

Pizzo said the shortfall stems primarily from personnel‑related cost increases — contract step raises and inflationary pressure he estimated at roughly $2.6 million annually — combined with a forecast $295,000 reduction in state aid and limits on the local tax levy. "When you're at $7.3 million your options get very limited," he said, contrasting the district's recurring savings (about $5.1 million in recurring reductions) with the structural gap the district must still close.

The superintendent announced a public input session on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m., saying the district will present options but not a final plan and will rely on community feedback. He described the town hall as part of a multi‑step engagement that would allow residents to…