Bound Brook board adopts tentative $72.7 million 2026–27 budget after state aid increase

The Bound Brook Board of Education voted unanimously at its March meeting to adopt a tentative 2026–27 general fund budget totaling $72,675,015. The board moved, seconded and approved the resolution after administrators outlined how higher state aid and specific budget adjustments allowed the district to balance the plan.

Administrators said the budget reflects a notable increase in state aid. Superintendent Dr. Freeman noted an earlier reported $2,000,000 increase, and Christine Lee, presenting the budget, stated that the total increase in general-fund state aid was “about $2,900,000,” driven in part by roughly $1,500,000 in additional equalization aid.

Why it matters: the increase in state aid reduced pressure on local taxes and allowed the district to maintain staff and expand some programs. Ms. Lee said instruction, curriculum and salaries account for about 73% of the budget; transportation, capital projects, administration and athletics make up smaller shares. She also reported the district’s fund balance at about 10%, which the administration described as a one-time resource for nonrecurring capital and equipment needs rather than an ongoing revenue source.

Budget and levy details: Ms. Lee explained the mechanics the board used to set the local tax levy, including applying a health-benefit adjustment and banked-cap adjustments permitted by state rules. She read the formal resolution placing the tentative budget on record and itemized state-aid line items, including equalization aid, special-education aid, preschool aid and categorical transportation and security aid. The resolution read into the record listed the tentative budget total ($72,675,015) and specified line items for equalization aid ($34,861,165) and other categorical aid figures.

Board action: The president called for a motion; the motion to adopt the tentative budget was moved by Mister Zopko and seconded by Mister Ncalcaterra. The business administrator conducted a roll call; recorded 'Yes' votes were given by Mister Bell, Mister Dawson, Mister Hai, Mister Ncalcaterra, Mister Januzi, Mister Manhas, Miss Musson, Mister Valmer and Mister Zopko. The motion passed.

What’s next: This action constituted the board’s tentative adoption and first reading; administrators said they will provide follow-up reports on implementation and return to the board with updates on budget monitoring. The district also noted planned capital projects and one-time equipment purchases would be funded in part from the fund balance.

Documented figures and sources: The budget presentation and the resolution read into the record are part of the board’s March meeting minutes and were the basis for the board’s vote.