East Brunswick board adopts tentative 2027 budget with 6.16% proposed tax levy increase; shortfall remains

The East Brunswick Board of Education voted to adopt a tentative 2027 school budget that incorporates a proposed 6.16% increase in the school tax levy, board members said at a public finance committee meeting where the administration laid out revenues, expenditures and options to close the gap.

Business administrator Joe presented the district’s current numbers, saying, “When we compiled everything, the projected appropriations total $214,000,000 and projected revenues total $208,000,000, leaving us with a deficit of almost $5,600,000.” That figure, the administration said, assumes the proposed 6.16% levy; the district also estimated each 1% of levy change brings roughly $1.5 million in revenue.

The tentative budget adopted by roll call preserves that 6.16% figure while listing a set of reductions and reallocations the administration plans to pursue before final adoption. The packet presented to the board itemized candidate savings including $83,000 in contracted‑services reductions; roughly $783,000 from outsourcing and adjustments to non‑certificated staffing; not replacing a part‑time and a full‑time secretary; an estimated $762,000…