Mount Olive board previews $136.5M preliminary budget; officials cite state aid cut and 20% health‑care spike

Mount Olive Township School District officials on March 23 presented a preliminary $136.5 million budget for the 2026–27 school year that assumes a roughly $275,000 reduction in state aid and a projected 20% increase in employee health‑care costs, driving a projected tax‑levy increase of about 6.48%.

"Although we were praying for flat state aid, we did receive a reduction of about $275,000," said Miss Schoening, the district business administrator, during a presentation to the Board of Education. She and Superintendent Dr. Bangea said the district expects a health‑care adjustment of about $3.6 million to cover the spike in insurance costs.

Why it matters: The administration told the board that the combination of reduced state aid and higher benefits costs leaves the district weighing program priorities, contract obligations and use of reserves. The presentation showed the capital program will rely on withdrawals from capital reserve of $3,487,000 for roof replacements, elevator work, gym upgrades and other building projects.

Administration…