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Clark Township board adopts 2026–27 school budget, cites stable staffing and referendum projects
Summary
The Clark Township Board of Education approved the 2026–27 annual school budget by roll call after a presentation outlining program priorities, enrollment projections and a slate of referendum-funded capital projects. Trustees emphasized preserving staff and fund balance amid rising fixed costs.
The Clark Township Board of Education approved its 2026–27 annual school budget following a detailed presentation from district staff.
Presenter Mr. Zudo told trustees the budget preserves full‑day kindergarten, avoids staff reductions and funds a new social worker and a post‑graduate transition coordinator for students aged 18–21. “We’re thrilled that there’s no staff reductions in this budget,” he said, and described continued investments in professional development and Chromebook replenishment.
Administrators described major funding sources and high‑level totals. They said local property taxes constitute the largest share of operating revenue (roughly four‑fifths), with state aid, tuition and miscellaneous revenue comprising the remainder. The district reported a fund balance (surplus) of about $3.5 million and said that surplus helped balance the budget and permitted additions. The presentation listed operating and appropriation totals in multiple slides (general fund figures, special‑revenue funds for grants and a debt‑service fund tied to the voter‑approved referendum). The presenter said the operating budget rose by about $1.9 million from the current year and emphasized that salaries and benefits make up the majority of fixed costs.
Trustees also reviewed the voter‑approved referendum projects: the district said it sold roughly $34.76 million in bonds at about a 3.74% rate and expects 18 projects across four schools, including fire‑alarm upgrades, hallway repairs, a new district phone system, playground replacements, parking‑lot work and a six‑classroom addition at Henley. The district targets completing 14 of the 18 projects by late summer or early fall.
A motion to adopt the budget was made by Mr. May and seconded by Mr. Small. The clerk called the roll; the recorded votes were in favor and the motion carried.
What happens next: administrators said the budget will be posted on the district website under the business department subpage and that staff will begin preparing for hires and summer work tied to the referendum projects.
