Tabernacle board adopts $16.52 million final budget for 2026–27 after public hearing

The Tabernacle Township School District Board of Education on April 27 adopted its final FY 2026–2027 budget, approving total tentative expenditures of $16,519,965 and a tax levy that, together with debt service, raises $11,107,033 for the coming school year.

The board approved Resolution 26‑024 during a public hearing held at Kenneth R. Olson Middle School’s media center. The final budget incorporates an enrollment adjustment of $383,832 and an $80,317 increase to cover rising health‑benefit costs. The district also plans transfers from reserves: $100,000 from the Maintenance Reserve to support required maintenance and $185,000 from Capital Reserve to fund capital improvements including an estimated $60,000 for wastewater‑treatment upgrades, a $75,000 small van and $50,000 for network wiring and access points; the minutes note additional eRate funds will be used for some network work.

Superintendent Shaun Banin flagged ongoing state funding challenges and thanked the community for fundraising; he noted recent fundraising raised over $23,000 toward the TES all‑purpose room. Banin said state‑level reform of the funding formula is supported by Commissioner Laux but would be a long‑term solution, and urged continued local advocacy.

Motion to adopt the budget was made by Ms. Christina Wolfrom and seconded by Mr. Craig Kumpel; the motion carried in the public record. The board’s minutes record approval of the budget and related financial reports and transfers.

The adoption follows required county review and notice to the public; the district’s administration was authorized to make minor technical adjustments as required by the Burlington Executive County Superintendent of Schools. The budget document lists general fund expenditures of $13,630,669, special revenues of $1,979,190 and debt service of $910,106.

Public commenters at the hearing pressed the board about how budget cuts would affect sports, extracurriculars and class sizes. Ashley Kimble, treasurer of the teacher association, said the association had met with administration on budgetary issues and urged collaboration with families, staff and the board to prioritize students. The board did not rescind or change the budget at the hearing; adopted actions and next administrative steps were recorded in the minutes.

The board will implement the adopted budget for FY 2026–2027 and has been authorized to make any required ministerial adjustments after county review.