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West Orange board advances 2026–27 budget after heated public opposition to proposed paraprofessional outsourcing
Summary
Superintendent presented a $26,821,351 2026–27 general-fund budget and said staff reductions and a proposal to outsource paraprofessionals could close a projected $13.5 million deficit; dozens of parents and the teachers union urged the board to preserve in‑district paraprofessionals and demanded more transparency.
The West Orange Board of Education on May 4 presented a $26,821,351 general‑fund budget for 2026–27 and voted to advance the advertised budget to the county after hours of public comment and roll‑call votes.
The plan, presented by Superintendent Moore, frames a structural shortfall the administration quantified at roughly $13.5 million. Moore told the board unavoidable cost drivers include a planned 3.5% salary increase, transportation cost growth of 3.58%, special‑education tuition projected to rise about 6%, and insurance and health‑benefit spikes the administration described as in the mid‑teens percentage range. Moore said the district must consider staff reductions and program consolidations to protect core classroom instruction.
The superintendent also said the district was exploring outsourcing some paraprofessionals (PARs) as a potential cost‑saving measure.…
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