Vineland Board approves preliminary $246.7 million 2026'27 budget after presentation on 6% school tax-rate increase

Scott Masterell, the Vineland Public School District's school business administrator, presented the district's preliminary 2026'27 budget and the Vineland Board of Education voted to approve the budget items brought before the board.

Masterell outlined a proposed general fund of $217,912,076 and an overall budget (including fund 20 appropriations) of about $246,660,023, with a proposed tax levy of $37,422,355. He said the district projects a decline of 225 students year over year and estimated 2026'27 enrollment at 9,435 students. "Our proposed enrollment for 26 27 based on our ADA numbers this year is 9,435 students," Masterell said.

The presentation said state aid is up by about $6.7 million to roughly $167,228,569, Medicaid revenue is estimated at $191,000 and miscellaneous revenues about $1.1 million; the district's fund balance is projected to drop to about $11.9 million. Masterell noted that state aid comprises the largest share of district revenue and explained a longstanding gap between the state's calculated "fair share" (about $89.7 million) and the district's proposed tax levy, tracing that gap to…