Tabernacle board votes to submit tentative 2026–27 budget to county amid warnings of cuts

The Tabernacle Township School District Board of Education voted March 23 to submit its tentative 2026–27 school budget to the Burlington County Executive Superintendent for review.

The resolution (26-020) authorizes the district to file a tentative annual budget showing total tentative expenditures of $16,519,965, anticipated revenues of $5,412,932 and taxes to be raised of $11,107,033. The submission also notes an enrollment adjustment of $383,832, an increase in health-benefit costs of $80,317, a $100,000 transfer from Maintenance Reserve and a $185,000 transfer from Capital Reserve to support required maintenance and capital improvements, including an estimated $60,000 for wastewater-treatment-plant upgrades, a $75,000 van purchase and $50,000 for network wiring and access-point upgrades using eRate funds.

Board President Steven Mosser framed the vote as a procedural step to protect the district’s interests, saying, “As President of the Tabernacle School Board, I have the responsibility to protect the quality of education and the well being of our students. Rising costs in utilities, health insurance, prescription benefits and inflation have significantly outpaced both state funding and local tax increases.”

Several board members said they would vote to submit the document so the district can be part of county-level discussions but signaled they do not intend to approve the final budget as currently presented. Board member Tracy Betts said, “I do not believe this budget provides a thorough and efficient education for our students. However, I am voting yes tonight so that we can be part of the discussion- literally have a seat at the table at the county level to discuss our options.” Other members expressed similar views during roll-call statements.

The resolution authorizes the administration to make minor adjustments required by the Burlington County Executive Superintendent and schedules a public hearing on the tentative budget for April 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the OMS Media Center, 132 New Road, Tabernacle.

The board’s action is a submission-only measure; the tentative budget is not final adoption. Board members and district officials said the county review and the public hearing will be opportunities to seek changes before the final vote in April.

The motion to submit the tentative budget passed by roll call; members recorded their votes during the meeting.