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Bayonne board hears budget showing $2.1 million state-aid cut and warns of staffing impacts
Summary
Board leaders presented a $210.2 million operating budget for 2025–26, noting a $2.1 million drop in state aid partially offset by a 2% local tax-levy increase; speakers warned that facilities spending will be reduced and 25 nonrenewals of educators could hurt services.
The Bayonne Board of Education reviewed its 2025–26 operating budget April 29 at Washington Community School, reporting a $2,100,000 reduction in state aid and an operating budget of $210,228,553, a $380,000 decrease from the previous year.
Board leaders said the district’s revenue relies heavily on state aid—about 61%—and that the local tax levy was increased by the allowable 2% ($1,500,000) to help offset the drop. The presenter said 80% of the district’s expenses are salaries and benefits and that facilities projects will see a “substantial decrease” in 2025–26 to manage the budget shortfall.
“Over the last 10 years…we've hovered around 2% for the local tax levy,” the presenter said, noting that the district’s adequacy budget—what the state says the district should have—was about $245,000,000 compared with the district’s available $210,228,553 for 2025–26.
Union and community speakers tied the budget gaps to staffing decisions. Jean Woods, speaking for educators and union members, said 25 nonrenewals of educators are listed for 2025–26 and urged the board to reconsider cuts. “The budget should not be balanced on the backs of our educators and students,” he said.
Board members moved and approved the superintendent’s reports and the business administrator’s report during the meeting. A trustee noted an abstention on one specific agenda item (B20) during the superintendent’s report vote.
The board did not adopt additional, specific staffing measures on the record at the meeting; public speakers urged reconsideration and asked for equal distribution of cuts and greater administrative accountability. The meeting adjourned with trustees thanking staff and noting Teacher Appreciation Week.
What’s next: the board approved the regular reports presented; the budget figures and the listing of nonrenewals will be part of the district’s ongoing personnel and budget process.
