Collingswood board says budget drafting done; state aid timeline could force compressed schedule

The business office told the board it has prepared a draft budget but is awaiting state aid numbers that will shape final revenue estimates.

A board spokesperson said the district has included salaries and submitted a first draft, but officials do not yet know whether the governor's budget timeline will be extended. The board heard the governor's budget address is expected around March 10, with local state-aid notifications commonly following within a few days; that timing could force the district to finalize budget work in a narrow window in mid-March.

Superintendent Dr. McDowell urged continued advocacy for a fair funding formula, saying districts across New Jersey face rising costs that outpace revenue: "We cannot reduce our way to a better future. We can't tax our way to a better future," he said, adding the district will prioritize student services and staff support while making recommendations aligned with community values.

Business-administration items included notice of a late resolution related to a waiver of participation in special-education Medicaid funding. The administrator said last year the program’s figures were reduced (the packet referenced a prior reduction to roughly $2,000 for the district) and described a new waiver resolution placed on the agenda at the last minute; details and the formal resolution language will appear with next meeting materials.

Next steps: the board will await state aid allocations and warned meeting dates may shift or be compressed in March depending on that timing.