Colts Neck board presents 2025–26 budget that keeps tax levy flat, uses reserves to balance books

The Colts Neck Township School District on May 7 presented a proposed 2025–26 budget that keeps the district’s tax levy flat while using a mix of reserves, impact‑aid funds and other revenues to balance the plan.

Administration and finance committee members framed the budget as a reflection of district priorities—student learning, support for students with IEPs and 504 plans, facility maintenance and fiscal responsibility—during a public hearing and board meeting at the district administration building.

The presentation by school business administrator Mr. Morasco and district leaders said the general fund budget is decreasing by less than 1% overall despite upward pressure on salaries, benefits and commercial insurance. “That tax levy makes up about 82% of our total revenues,” Mr. Morasco said, noting the board’s goal to maintain a flat levy and the legal cap on tax increases. The plan anticipates increased health‑care premiums and reduced employee contributions under recent Chapter 44 rules; it also relies on audited excess surplus ($545,000) and a portion of restricted impact‑aid reserves to offset the levy.

Officials highlighted program commitments in the draft budget: continuation of high‑quality summerbridge programming (previously grant‑funded), a new research‑based K–5 writing program, printed math workbooks for grades 3–5, continued services for students with special needs, and an additional fourth‑grade teacher at Crest to address enrollment. The presentation also forecasted a net reduction of three staff positions through restructuring (instructional assistance/ kindergarten/library support and one central office role).

Capital and maintenance needs were included in the plan. The budget carries a capital outlay estimate (fund 12) that covers equipment and facilities work, including an estimated $83,000 contribution toward a broader $128,000 bus radio replacement project and a required annual assessment tied to prior state bonding. Board members and facilities staff updated the public on the district’s ESIP project (HVAC and solar), saying HVAC rooftop units had been installed and solar work was on track for late June completion; the board and administration said they expected minimal disruption to summer programming.

On the revenue side, the district described several efficiency measures: transportation jointures (four runs for Marlboro district generating anticipated revenue), participation in cooperative purchasing and energy pools (ACES), use of fund balance and impact‑aid reserves, and anticipated miscellaneous income such as device fees and fuel billing reimbursements. The presenters emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce costs while retaining classroom services.

The board emphasized the tax‑rate math and homeowner impact. Finance staff said the combined school tax rate would be 0.5809 (a $0.07 decrease per $100 assessed value) but cautioned that rising assessed values in the township can still increase the dollar amount homeowners pay. Board members noted that the district’s bonded debt obligation will expire in February 2027.

Following the presentation, the board moved to approve agenda items 1–8. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from members present (Mrs. Cameron, Mrs. Horowitz, Mr. Rico, Mr. Reignetta, Mr. Scales, Mr. Scarpa, Mrs. Vulpi and Mr. Walsh) and the motion carried.

The board said a user‑friendly version of the advertised budget will be posted on the district website within 48 hours of the hearing and invited residents to contact Superintendent Dr. Garbeay or Mr. Morasco with questions. The board also noted ongoing audit and closeout activity for the current year and the planning cycle that begins in late fall for the 2026–27 budget.