Old Bridge board adopts 2026–27 budget after debate on health‑benefit adjustments

The Old Bridge Township Board of Education adopted the district’s 2026–27 budget Tuesday after approving a series of finance resolutions, including an adjustment tied to projected increases in employee health benefits.

Board President Miss Francisco called the roll and the board voted to carry the finance resolutions that compose the final adopted budget. Mr. Wiedell, presenting the budget revisions, said the district’s tentative budget required roughly $1.4 million in reductions and explained how an allowable adjustment for health‑benefit costs offsets some expenditures. "If the district budgeted 30% rather than 34% without any other variables staying the same...it would be a difference of $649,028," he said, describing the sensitivity of the plan to medical‑cost projections.

The administration told the board that reliable insurance estimates commonly arrive in August, after the local budget deadline, which forces administrators to use best estimates when adopting the budget in June. Several board members urged support for the budget despite the tax implications, saying the board’s priority is sustaining programs and services for the district’s roughly 8,051 students.

Board member Mr. Slade said he would vote yes, citing months of deliberation and a desire to support staff and students. Another member, Miss Richards Patterson, initially recorded a different vote on a finance sub‑item but asked to revise her vote so that the health‑benefit adjustment passed; the clerk recorded the change during the meeting.

The board approved the slate of finance resolutions by roll call, including the health‑benefit adjustment that provides an allowable revenue offset tied to projected medical‑benefit cost increases. The budget as adopted leaves the overall tax levy unchanged from what was previously presented because the revisions came through shifting appropriations rather than adding new revenue.

The board also approved related personnel and operational items tied to the budget during the meeting. The superintendent and administration were asked to continue monitoring health‑benefit projections and to report any material changes that would affect the district’s fiscal stability.

The board adjourned after approving the budget and other agenda items; the public may view the budget presentation and related materials when the administration posts them to the district website.