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East Brunswick board presents balanced 2027 budget with 6.16% tax increase; public hearing set for May 7
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Summary
Board and administrators presented a balanced 2027 budget that closes a projected multi‑million dollar shortfall with fee increases, program/position adjustments and contract savings; the proposal includes a 6.16% tax levy increase and will go to a public hearing and final adoption on May 7.
The East Brunswick Board of Education reviewed a proposed 2027 budget on April 23 that administrators say closes an earlier projected $5.5 million shortfall and yields a balanced plan, with a 6.16% estimated tax levy increase and a package of fees, contract savings and staffing adjustments.
"As of today, we have a balanced budget," said Joe, the district administrator who presented the finance slides, summarizing prior reductions of about $600,000 and $1 million and the latest recommendations to close the remainder of the gap. The administration said the plan relies on a mix of new fees (clubs, athletics), vendor savings and several staffing changes.
Under the packet discussed, clubs would be charged $45, athletics $200 per activity and the district would set a family cap of $800 for athletics, marching band and color guard. A pre‑K inclusive program fee of $482 was proposed, with families qualifying for reduced status paying 50% and families qualifying for free status paying 25% of the fee. Administrators also reported $160,000 in additional transportation contract savings after recently renewed contracts returned at lower increases than the consumer‑price index.
The proposed staffing changes would include adding one elementary instructional coach to support a new ILA curriculum but not refilling several positions vacated by retirement or resignation; the presentation listed a mix of reductions and nonrefills across central office, specialist and part‑time positions and the right‑sizing of elementary clubs from seven to five based on participation and enrollment data. Administrators emphasized that the district is not eliminating courses wholesale but combining under‑enrolled sections in some cases to preserve program offerings.
Board members asked for clarity about whether course offerings would be cut; administrators responded that decisions were made after consulting principals and supervisors and reviewing multi‑year enrollment trends. The presentation noted the district is about 60% in‑house and 40% contracted for transportation services and that past experience with large single contractors failing to run routes was a factor in maintaining multiple providers.
The board did not take a final adoption vote on April 23. The administration said the budget will be presented for public hearing and final adoption at the May 7 meeting. "You have until May 7," the chair said, inviting the public to review the proposal online.
What’s next: the board scheduled a public hearing on May 7 where members of the public may comment before the board votes on adoption. If adopted, the budget would be implemented for the 2027 fiscal year subject to statutory deadlines and any state approvals required for component elements.
