Old Bridge board advances tentative budget amid projected shortfall and approves curriculum and capital items

The Old Bridge Township Board of Education advanced its tentative 2025–26 budget to Middlesex County on March 18 while approving several curriculum and capital items on the agenda.

Board and finance committee members said the tentative budget will be submitted to the county the day after the meeting; the county review period runs roughly a month and may include follow‑up questions. Multiple speakers and at least one board member referenced a projected multi‑million dollar shortfall (figures discussed in the meeting included an estimated $17 million deficit), and the board discussed potential steps including applying to the state Department of Education for assistance or a loan.

On curriculum, the board debated pulling curriculum writing items (agenda items 5–15) from the immediate vote so the work and the timing could be reviewed; administrators explained that because curriculum writing had been accelerated this year, payment timing could shift some costs into the current 2024–25 budget and would require a board transfer to appropriate the funds. The board approved curriculum resolutions 2, 3, 4 and 16 (professional development) and approved Resolution 1 for field trips after separating items and clarifying fiscal timing.

Capital and facilities discussion focused on agenda item 11: asphalt and masonry repairs across school properties. Staff said the only suitable funding source for such work is the district’s capital reserve and that projects must be on the long‑range facilities plan (LRFP). Board members asked for a site‑walk and a vetted project list before approving larger packages; one member cautioned against over‑upgrading versus targeted repairs. The board held that the capital reserve funds are restricted for property improvements and cannot be used for the general operating fund.

Roll calls: The meeting recorded multiple roll calls approving grouped curriculum resolutions and a cluster of finance resolutions (items 1–16 with exceptions as noted). Resolution 11 for finance (paving/masonry) passed on roll call after members discussed scope and long‑range planning.

What’s next: The budget will be posted to the county for review; county questions and a county‑level meeting are expected in the coming weeks. The board scheduled a budget committee meeting for March 25 (advertised committee of the whole) to continue planning.