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Bound Brook board adopts tentative $72.7 million 2026–27 budget after first reading
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Summary
After a presentation from district staff, the Bound Brook Board of Education approved the tentative 2026–27 general fund budget totaling $72,675,015 in a roll-call vote. Administrators cited higher state aid and rising health insurance costs as key drivers of the plan.
The Bound Brook Board of Education approved a tentative 2026–27 general fund budget totaling $72,675,015 at its March meeting after a first reading and roll-call vote.
During the presentation, Christine Lee, the district’s budget presenter, outlined revenue and expense assumptions underpinning the plan, saying the district received an increase in state aid this year and is using a mix of state funding, local taxes and a one-time portion of fund balance to produce a balanced budget. Lee noted increases in equalization and categorical aid — including special education and preschool funding — and said the district applied a $263,084 banked cap adjustment and a health-benefit adjustment of approximately $1,335,344 to close the gap.
Superintendent Dr. Freeman and board members credited the administration and operations committee for producing the budget amid shifting state timelines and increases in mandatory costs. Dr. Freeman said the administration aims to preserve staff and programs while paying particular attention to health-benefit inflation.
The resolved motion read into the record sets a tentative general fund budget of $66,822,710, a tentative local general fund tax levy of $60,128,208 and total tentative budget figures for special revenue and debt service; read together the district stated the tentative budget totals $72,675,015. The resolution also notes state aid line items (equalization aid, school choice, special education categorical, security, transportation and preschool aid) and an estimated extraordinary aid figure of $180,000.
The board president called for a motion; the motion was made, seconded and carried on roll call. Those recorded as voting “yes” included members who answered during roll call: Bell; Dawson; Hai; Ncalcaterra; Januzi; Manhas; Musson; Volmer; and Zopko. The motion passed and the superintendent and business administrator were directed to file the required documents with the executive county superintendent.
The budget documents presented to the board explain that roughly 73% of general fund spending goes toward instruction, curriculum, professional development and salaries; other categories include transportation, capital projects, administration, debt service and extracurriculars. Administration noted health insurance premiums remain a major pressure on the budget and that some capital and equipment purchases will be funded with fund balance as one-time expenses.
Next steps: This action constituted the board’s first reading and tentative adoption; the budget will follow the district’s statutory publication and hearing requirements and be subject to final adoption if and when required under state rules.
