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Lopatcong board approves $26.87 million 2026–27 budget, withdraws reserves for maintenance
Summary
On March 19 the Lopatcong Township Board of Education approved a $26,866,090 2026–27 budget with a $16,834,289 general-fund tax levy, authorized withdrawals from reserve accounts for facility maintenance and set a $20,000 travel cap for the coming year.
The Lopatcong Township Board of Education approved its 2026–27 budget and related finance measures at a regular meeting on March 19, 2026.
The board approved a total base budget of $26,866,090, comprised of a General Fund of $23,701,186; a Special Revenue Fund of $2,198,474; and a Debt Service Fund of $966,430. The action authorizes a General Fund tax levy of $16,834,289 and a Debt Service tax levy of $966,430 for the 2026–27 school year. The grouped finance motion (Resolutions R-220-26, R-221-26 and R-222-26) was moved by Board Vice President Judy Liptak and seconded by board member Ernest Gallant.
The board also recorded statutory travel (professional development) caps, setting the 2026–27 maximum at $20,000 (the 2025–26 cap was listed at $17,732, with $13,855.34 spent to date). In line with the district’s comprehensive maintenance plan, the board approved a $114,063 withdrawal from the Maintenance Reserve for required facility maintenance. The board also approved an $8,740 withdrawal from the Capital Reserve to address a current negative debt fund balance, as recommended by the auditor.
On the roll call for the grouped motion, Pamela Thomas (Board President), Judith Liptak (Board Vice President), Ernest Gallant, Dr. John Severs, Megan Flynn and Lauren Pierce voted yes. Bevin Nittel recorded a No specifically on R-220-26 (the 2026–27 budget); Joan Maingrette recorded an Abstain on R-220-26; Julia Jones-Jasper was absent. The tally on R-220-26 was Yes 6, No 1, Abstain 1, Absent 1; the grouped motion carried.
The board also approved the bills list for the period Feb. 14–Mar. 15, 2026 (Resolution R-221-26) and accepted the 2026–27 Preschool PEA funded budget (Resolution R-222-26) as part of the same motion.
Why it matters: adoption of the budget sets local tax levies for the coming school year and commits district resources to operations, special programs and debt service. The approved withdrawals from reserve accounts fund required maintenance and address an auditor-identified negative balance in the debt fund.
The board announced its next workshop meeting for April 9, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
