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Edison board previews 2025–26 budget as tax levy stays flat; $358,000 JP Stevens change order explained
Summary
The Edison Township Board of Education previewed the 2025–26 budget, saying the local tax levy will remain flat for a fifth consecutive year while total spending rises; administrators answered public questions about a $358,000 change order at JP Stevens and confirmed planned withdrawals from capital reserves to fund projects.
The Edison Township Board of Education on Tuesday previewed its 2025–26 budget and addressed public concerns about a large change order at JP Stevens High School.
Board members and administrators said the local tax levy — the amount assessed on local taxpayers — will remain flat for the fifth consecutive year, while the overall district budget will increase. "The tax levy has been flat for the past five years," a district presenter stated during the caucus meeting, noting the board will present a detailed budget and hold a public hearing at the regular monthly meeting next Tuesday.
The board also explained a capital change order for replacement of the JP Stevens tennis court. Facilities staff described an unforeseen subsurface condition discovered when workers removed the existing court, requiring milling, aggregate base replacement and new surfacing. The change order was stated to be about $358,000. John, the district presenter who outlined construction impacts, said borings had been done but deeper conditions were found once removal began.
During public comment Elizabeth Conway of Netherwood Circle asked why the larger cost was not identified earlier and whether keeping the levy flat required cuts to programs or staff raises. The administration responded that the levy and the total budget are different: the levy — what the district taxes — is flat, while the budget overall is increasing. Administrators said they are not cutting programs and pointed to contingencies, financing arrangements and interest income on district accounts as offsets that help absorb costs.
Board members acknowledged that change orders occur in construction, described the use of bid alternatives and contingencies to limit budget shocks, and said district staff closely monitor projects. One board member asked the administration to confirm property limits and safety protections near John Adams School after concerns about a newly installed electrical "hot box" and lack of curbing were raised.
The board's financial discussion also referenced capital‑reserve withdrawals: administrators said the district plans to withdraw about $22 million from reserves in the upcoming fiscal year to fund a slate of projects, after taking roughly $10 million this year.
The caucus record shows the board intends to publish the full budget and line‑item details at the regular meeting, when a public hearing and formal vote will follow. The board later moved into a confidential session and returned to take several procurement votes before adjourning.
