Lacey Township board adopts 5.87% tax-levy increase, citing soaring health-benefit costs

The Lacey Township School District board of education approved the district’s 2026–27 school budget during its May 13 meeting, voting 6–1 to adopt a budget that includes a 5.87% tax-levy increase.

Board President Claus called the motion and the roll call produced six yes votes and one no (Mr. Amato). The board proceeded after a presentation from the superintendent and budget staff explaining the final numbers.

The superintendent said the district faces roughly $6.2 million in increased operating costs this year and highlighted health benefits as the principal driver. "Altogether, the district spends $20.4 million annually on health benefits," the superintendent said, adding that staff contributions total about $1.8 million and that local taxpayers shoulder roughly $18.6 million. He said the state plan’s large premium increases — a roughly 30% jump for the current year, with further increases projected — and higher pharmacy costs, including a spike in GLP‑1 prescriptions, are major factors pushing costs higher.

"This budget represents a responsible path forward ensuring that despite external financial pressures, the quality of education for our students remains our highest priority," the superintendent said.

As presented to the board, the levy increase translates to an estimated impact of about $24 per month for the average homeowner. The superintendent also noted the district achieved a 29% decrease in debt-service costs this year and said capital-reserve funds and a state ROD grant will help pay for part of a high‑school roof project.

Board members pressed for transparency. Board member Brandon said the community has seen tax increases approaching 27% over three years and asked the board to show a clear link between higher taxes and measurable student outcomes. "If we're asking for more from our taxpayers, there needs to be a clear return on that investment," Brandon said.

Board member Karen, a newly seated member, said the $4 million health‑insurance increase made the vote difficult for her and expressed regret about staff reductions. The presentation and discussion noted reductions affecting paraprofessionals and health aides; the superintendent said the board worked to preserve core instructional staff and programs but did not provide a line‑by‑line list of all cuts at the meeting.

The district described a reclassification of revenue and a $45,279 adjustment related to out‑of‑district special‑education tuition. Officials also said approximately 500 staff are eligible for benefits, with roughly 347 enrolled in newer educator plans and about 46 remaining in legacy plans.

During public comment, Regina Desenza of Sunset Drive criticized the budget as "difficult and pitiful" and said more should have been done to avoid layoffs, calling the proposed cuts a "betrayal of certain longtime employees." The board did not provide an immediate response to that comment during public comment, consistent with its stated policy.

Following the presentation, the board took the roll-call vote. Mrs. Opitz, Mr. Hurley, Dr. Forny, Mr. Bell, Mr. Goen and Board President Claus voted yes; Mr. Amato voted no. The motion passed and the board adjourned.

Next steps: The superintendent said the district will post final budget slides and supporting documents to the district website; no additional votes on this budget were scheduled at the meeting.