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South River board gives tentative approval to 2026–27 budget; public hearing set for April 30
Summary
The South River Board of Education tentatively approved the revised 2026–27 budget for submission to the county on March 23, 2026. Superintendent Dr. Zochin said the budget is balanced without staff reductions despite only modest increases in state and pre-K aid; a public hearing is set for April 30.
The South River Board of Education on March 23 gave tentative approval to its revised 2026–27 budget and will submit the plan to the executive county superintendent, with a public hearing scheduled for April 30.
Superintendent Dr. Zochin told the board the budget "is highly focused in addressing the academic and extracurricular needs of our students" and that the administration "did balance a budget that does not reduce any staffing or any major student programs." He said the district received some additional state aid and additional pre-K aid but described those increases as not sufficient to cover growing salary and health-care costs.
Finance chair Missus Lowe read resolution 8.1 recommending approval of the revised tentative budget "for submission to the executive county superintendent" in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:7F-5 and 18A:7F-6. Missus Lowe moved the resolution and it was seconded by Mister Bezak; the board completed a roll call and members present voted to approve the motion.
The superintendent also used his report to brief the board on several operational items tied to the budget and school operations. He reminded families that built-in snow days are being used this year and encouraged parents to work with school nurses when illness affects attendance, saying absences "do contribute to chronic absenteeism." He warned that campus playgrounds remain locked after school hours to preserve equipment and that the district’s turf field is reserved for district use only so it can be maintained for school athletics and physical education.
Dr. Zochin noted a new New Jersey regulation affecting electric bicycles, saying e-bikes will be treated similarly to motorized bicycles and that enforcement begins in July 2026; as a result, the district expects that elementary and middle school students will not be riding e-bikes to school.
The board approved the tentative budget for submission to the county and scheduled a public hearing and full budget presentation to be posted on the district website the day after the hearing. Other routine business at the meeting included approval of minutes from Feb. 26, certification of financial reports, passage of a consent resolution covering multiple agenda items, and authorization to pay listed bills.
