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Harrison Township Board adopts 2025–26 budget after brief public hearing
Summary
The Harrison Township Board of Education on April 28 adopted the 2025–26 school budget and approved related finance actions, including a food-service contract and a change in dental coverage, after a public hearing with no public comments.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Harrison Township Board of Education approved the 2025–26 school budget at its April 28 regular meeting after a short public hearing and a series of finance votes.
Superintendent Dr. Missy Peretti presented the proposed budget and answered questions from board members. “The approval must be tonight,” Peretti said when asked whether the board could postpone action.
Board members raised concerns about the timing of the state hearing and changes made by the state to the district’s Tax Levy Incentive Application. Interim School Business Administrator Lisa Ridgway told the board that the district received roughly three hours' notice from the state for its hearing, while some districts received 24–48 hours; Ridgway also said the state removed a maintenance position from the application and reduced the district’s Equalization Aid by more than $5 million.
Following the presentation, the board approved multiple finance items by roll call. The board certified the tax levy for fiscal year 2025–26 and adopted the budget (Resolution: adopting the 2025–2026 School Year Budget). The finance approvals included ratified and current bill lists (March ratified bill list $1,850,750.09; April bill list $532,706.30) and a resolution authorizing travel and expense reimbursement for 2025–2026.
The board awarded the food service management contract to Nutri-Serve Food Management, Inc. for the 2025–2026 school year at a flat management fee of $31,050; the contract notes Nutri-Serve projects a loss of $9,425 and offers no guarantee. The board also approved a resolution to change the district dental carrier.
Actions on finance items were carried unanimously in recorded roll-call votes.
What happens next: The budget will be implemented for the 2025–26 school year as adopted; the district’s tax levy certification and related documentation were approved in the meeting record.
