Watchung board adopts tentative 2025–26 budget, seeks $250,000 of banked cap

The Watchung Borough Board of Education on March 18 adopted a tentative 2025–26 budget that would raise the local school tax levy and request $250,000 of banked cap to balance projected revenues and expenses.

Superintendent Dr. Glazer and Business Administrator Karen Bishop Johnson presented the plan, citing the end of one-time pandemic and referendum resources and a net cut in state aid. Bishop Johnson said, “The increase in the tax that we're requesting is $411 on an average home,” and the board voted to move the tentative budget to the county superintendent for review and to the public final hearing set for April 24.

The presentation showed the district's recent per-pupil spending rose to about $21,691 and that the administration is aiming to get closer to $24,000 per pupil next year. Major cost drivers identified included salaries (still uncertain while negotiations continue), an estimated rise in health benefits (about $300,000), a planned K–8 textbook and curriculum adoption (estimated $219,000), transportation cost increases tied to the CPI, and facilities maintenance and contracted services.

Administrators proposed adding approximately 3.5 staff positions in the coming year: a supervisor of instruction to oversee curriculum, assessment and professional learning; a world language teacher to support middle-school demand; a halftime basic-skills teacher to restore targeted literacy supports; plus a 0.4 custodian to address increasing facility needs. Dr. Glazer told the board the district is “not cutting staff here in Watchung” as it seeks to stabilize operations and restore programs.

On revenue, the district budgeted a conservative estimate for extraordinary aid ($300,000) and plans to use $250,000 of banked cap this year (leaving a remaining banked balance that administration says will be available next year). Administration reported current total revenues and expenditures in the presentation materials and provided examples of tax impact for homeowners; Bishop Johnson noted the district will post the full, user-friendly budget on the district website.

Board members discussed specifics during committee reports and public comment. A resident asked about the bookkeeping around banked cap; administration responded that roughly $810,000 was used last year and that the proposed $250,000 use this year would leave about $257,000 in banked cap.

The motion to adopt the tentative budget passed by roll call with all voting members recorded as yes. The board will hold the final public hearing and take a vote on the final budget at its April 24 meeting.