Bordentown Regional board opens public forums; superintendent highlights $550,000 refinancing savings

The Bordentown Regional School District board voted to open public forums for agenda items 1 through 5 and then received a wide‑ranging superintendent report that covered budget planning, staff professional development, community engagement and a reported $550,000 savings from recent debt refinancing.

The superintendent told the board that she has held two of three scheduled community superintendent meetings and invited residents to a March meeting at the middle school on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. She said the district held a Feb. 16 professional‑development day during which district leaders observed building‑level training focused on student performance and attendance, and she thanked staff and building leaders for their work.

Why it matters: the board is preparing the 2026–27 budget but cannot make final determinations until the governor’s budget address (around March 10) and the state aid figures that follow, which are required by statute. The superintendent said workshops will be scheduled after state aid is confirmed to ensure transparency and community input.

On financing, the superintendent reported that the business office, working with financial advisers and bond counsel, completed a refinancing that she said will save the district approximately $550,000 over the next seven years. "I think it's important to highlight that for the board," she said, thanking staff involved in the effort.

The superintendent also announced a new monthly community newsletter designed to provide regular updates on district initiatives, student programs and operational priorities; the board has reviewed a draft and the district plans to release the newsletter later this month and solicit feedback.

On personnel, the superintendent officially welcomed Mrs. Cebenta as the new principal of Bordentown Regional High School, noting she began on Feb. 9 and has been engaging with students, staff and families to support a smooth transition.

During the public‑comment portion focused on budget suggestions, a legislative delegate offered to provide monthly summaries of pending and enacted state laws and to supply templates and contact information to help parents, teachers and board members advocate with state legislators on issues such as student internet‑enabled device policies and seizure‑disorder care training.

The meeting concluded with the Chair noting the board’s next meeting is March 4. No further formal actions on budget items were recorded at this meeting; final budget action awaits state aid figures.