Closter district says preliminary 2025–26 budget approved by county; public hearing set for April 30

The Closter Board of Education’s preliminary 2025–26 budget has been approved by county officials and will be the subject of a public hearing at the board’s April 30 meeting, Superintendent Vincent McHale informed trustees on March 19.

"The preliminary budget for the 2025-2026 school year, presented at the last Board meeting on March 5, 2025, was approved by the Executive County Superintendent and the Executive County Business Official," McHale said. He credited Business Administrator Floro Villanueva Jr. and the district's Finance and Physical Plant Committee for preparing a budget the superintendent said "maintains all of our programs and staff so that we can continue the tradition of excellence in Closter Public Schools."

The superintendent invited the public to the April 30 budget presentation and public hearing. The district also noted routine calendar items tied to the budget process: March 24 single-session day for staff professional learning and a continuing schedule of outreach to families about Realtime report cards and trimester dates.

Why it matters: County approval advances the local budget toward final adoption and allows a public hearing to solicit community input before final adoption. The board’s communication emphasizes maintaining current programs and staff levels rather than program reductions.

Background/details: The board’s Business Administrator is listed as having prepared detailed financial statements and the Treasurer of School Monies submitted month-end reports for February 2025 during the meeting packet. The board approved the formal financial reports and certifications required by statute during the meeting.