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Long Hill board holds public hearing on final 2026–27 budget as health costs surge
Summary
At a May meeting in Gillette, district officials outlined a final 2026–27 budget driven by a roughly 23.5% spike in health insurance costs and modest state aid increases; administrators said the average homeowner could see a net increase of about $359 a year.
The Long Hill Township Board of Education held the required public hearing on its final 2026–27 budget, where administrators said rising health insurance costs and fixed expenditures are the principal financial pressures facing the district.
Robin Bomer, the board secretary and business administrator, told the board the budget includes adjustments allowed under the state tax levy cap — a 2% levy increase, an enrollment adjustment and a health-care-cost adjustment — that together total “over $1,000,000.” She said one of the most significant challenges this year is “the continued rise in health care costs, which are increasing by approximately 23.5%.”
The presentation noted state aid rose by about 3.45% (roughly $47,000), but Bomer emphasized the district remains heavily reliant on local property taxes, which make up about 88% of general-fund revenue. Because local assessments increased, she said the average homeowner will see a net increase of approximately $359 annually, or about $30 per month.
Administrators described program priorities the budget preserves: maintaining multi-tiered supports, continuing I‑Ready math, expanding behavioral supports and adding an LLD classroom at Millington to meet student needs. The budget also uses reserve funds for facilities and security projects — HVAC work, door replacements, classroom upgrades and security enhancements — that the district said will not affect the tax levy.
Bomer said the budget presentation has been available to the public and board members, noted the district recorded a slideshow that has already received substantial views online, and reiterated that the budget was developed collaboratively across the finance committee and administration.
Superintendent Alexis opened the hearing by reminding the public that testing season had begun and by thanking staff; she framed the budget as student-focused while acknowledging the “challenging economic conditions” that shaped it.
Next steps: the budget is on the meeting agenda for approval; if approved, the district will submit it to the state and post a user-friendly version on the district website.
