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Board approves $690 student busing fee for 2026–27; one member objects to reduced district subsidy
Summary
The board approved finance items including raising the student busing fee to $690 for 2026–27; board member Miss Zimmerman said she would vote no on the busing fee item, citing potential hardship, while other members supported the finance package.
At the May 12 meeting the Metuchen Board of Education approved finance slate B1–B9, which included a proposed increase in the student busing fee to $690 for the 2026–27 school year. Board member Mr. Suss explained the increase, noting the district had been subsidizing roughly 44.8% of bus costs this year and will subsidize about 42.69% next year under the new structure.
Miss Zimmerman voiced concern that a step down in the district percentage contribution and an $80 increase this year (following a $60 increase last year) could create hardship for families; she said she would vote no on item B2 but supported the remainder of the finance slate. Her statement in the meeting transcript: "I just I think that it could be a hardship for some families... I'm gonna vote no on item B2 and yes on everything else." The full finance motion nevertheless carried by roll call.
Board members emphasized the district's commitment to continue offering busing despite the cost increases and cited work by the finance committee and administration to limit the increase. No new subsidy program or waiver process was announced during the meeting; board members invited families to contact the administration with specific concerns.
The board recorded the vote by roll call; the motion carried with one recorded dissent on the busing item.
