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Readington board presents tentative 2026-27 budget, proposes 3.6% levy increase
Summary
The Readington Township School District presented a tentative 2026-27 budget that recommends a 3.6% tax levy increase, highlights enrollment growth in pre-K, and funds capital projects and preschool expansion; the board approved the tentative budget submission to the county for review.
The Readington Township School District presented a tentative budget for 2026-27 that the administration said balances rising personnel and utility costs with program preservation and new preschool funding. The board was asked to approve a tentative budget tonight for submission to the county office, with final adoption expected at the April 28 meeting.
The superintendent (named in the transcript as Dr. Horn/Dr. Herberg) said the district aims for the 2% state-imposed tax levy cap “but also considers that we have some flexibility with eligible adjustments,” while prioritizing academic programs. Administration projected K–8 enrollment of about 1,380 students and total enrollment including pre-K of about 1,620. Presenters emphasized dramatic pre-K growth, noting pre-K enrollment rose from roughly 25 students a few years ago to well over 225 now.
Administrators described staffing plans that include IEP-based bus aides, the potential reconfiguration of positions by attrition, and contract-driven obligations such as paraprofessional stipends and tuition reimbursement. The budget preserves mental-health services and several special-education programs, and administrators said preschool is fully state-funded and not dependent on the local levy.
On capital projects, administrators said referendum funds will support two new accessible playgrounds (Whitehouse and Three Bridges), a track replacement scheduled for summer work, and various energy-efficiency and security upgrades. The district plans to pursue utility ‘direct-install’ rebates that could reduce certain project costs by an estimated 40%–80%.
Finance staff summarized fiscal pressures—salaries and benefits, health insurance, pensions and rising utility costs—and reported an increase in state aid, including approximately $4.6 million earmarked for preschool. To address these pressures while maintaining programming, the district recommended a 3.6% tax levy increase for 2026-27, which the administration estimated would equate to about $161 per year for a home assessed at $450,000.
The board voted on the bundled finance and administrative items later in the meeting; motions to approve administrative reports, minutes, and consent items for finance, education technology and personnel passed by roll call. The board then moved the tentative budget forward to the county review process and will return to adopt a final budget in April.
