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Residents and Fair Funding organizers press Cherry Hill board to push Trenton on school funding
Summary
Dozens of residents and Fair Funding organizers urged the board to seek state action on the funding formula, demanded transparency about proposed cuts ahead of Tuesday’s tentative budget vote, and warned a 7.4% levy would displace families.
Community members filled the public‑comment portion of the special meeting to press the board for transparency, demand state action on school funding and urge a focus on administrative efficiencies over classroom cuts.
Alana Yaris, chair of the Fair Funding Committee, announced renewed organizing: "Fair Funding is going to take a hard look at the legislators who don't get back to their constituents... We are organizing to email so that every budget committee for the assembly and senate will hear from residents in Cherry Hill of real life experiences and what is happening in Cherry Hill," she said.
Several residents warned the proposed 7.4% levy—estimated by the administration to raise the average assessed home's bill by about $420 annually—could push families out of town. "A staggering 7.4% increase coupled with the increase coming from the township... People will not be able to afford to live here," said Laurie Neary, a Cherry Hill resident.
Other public commenters urged the district to publish specifics of proposed reductions before the board votes on the tentative budget so the community can weigh in. Jen Nadio and others urged earlier transparency and said parents should see proposed cuts before a vote.
Speakers asked the board to explore administrative staff reductions, examine out‑of‑district special‑education placements and pressure state representatives (several speakers named local legislators) to address the funding formula. Many urged organized testimony at Trenton hearings and broader community outreach.
The superintendent thanked speakers and reminded the public that some enrollment‑balancing recommendations would use bond interest earnings, not the general fund, a point he said the administration would clarify in its messaging. The board closed public comment and moved to adjourn after a unanimous vote.
The meeting highlighted organized local pressure on legislators and a community demand for earlier, clearer disclosure of proposed cuts before the tentative budget vote.
