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Mountain Lakes board appoints interim business administrator and flags budget pressure from rising health costs
Summary
The Mountain Lakes Board of Education on March 2 approved Gregory Brennan as interim business administrator and heard a preliminary budget warning that escalating health-insurance costs could push next year—s recommended increase to roughly 6% even with a cap adjustment; administrators said no staff reductions are planned based on the cap alone.
The Mountain Lakes Board of Education voted March 2 to appoint Gregory Brennan as interim business administrator and board secretary at a daily rate of $700 for three days per week (0.6 FTE), effective March 3 through June 30, 2026, and heard administration warnings that steep health-insurance increases are driving the district—s preliminary budget outlook.
Dr. Siegel introduced the recommendation and the board moved and approved the contract by roll call. Board members were told the district will continue to work with consultant Mr. Robinson and other fiscal staff as it finalizes a full preliminary budget for presentation at the board—s public meeting on March 16.
"I do not expect there to be an increase" in state aid, consultant Mr. Robinson said, calling the draft a "flat state aid budget" while cautioning that statewide health-insurance trends could force budget increases. Robinson and administrators quantified health-care costs in recent years at roughly $5.2 million two years ago, $6.6 million this year and a projected $8.1 million next year, and noted the state provided an $1,800,000 cap adjustment related to health-benefit cost pressures.
"I want to assure you you are not in the position that some school districts are and that there will be no reduction staff based on a cap issue," Robinson told the board, while warning that continued premium increases are not sustainable and that Chapter 44 (the New Jersey policy he described) sunsets on Dec. 31, 2027.
Administrators also highlighted draft capital items and personnel additions in the budget proposal, including a special law-enforcement officer, an HVAC mechanic intended to reduce contract costs and a new phone and Kenwood radio system. The finance committee told the board it is confident in the consultant—s handling of the revenue and appropriations assumptions.
Votes at a glance - Appoint Gregory Brennan, interim business administrator/board secretary, $700/day, 3 days/week, 0.6 FTE, 03/03/2026—06/30/2026: approved by roll call. - Approvals of bills, budget transfers, treasurer/board secretary reports and contractual items (including Panorama SEL adoption and architect services): approved by roll call. - Personnel approvals (position-control corrections, paraprofessional and custodial hires, teacher appointments and leaves): approved by roll call. - Other votes referenced in the meeting are recorded in the minutes (motions passed by roll call).
What happens next The administration will present the full preliminary budget at the March 16 board meeting, after the state releases its aid figures. The finance committee will continue meetings to refine revenue and appropriation assumptions before the district must submit a tentative budget (late March) and hold a public hearing and adopt a budget by May 14, 2026.
