Hardyston board adopts $16.9 million 2026–27 budget with 5.97% tax levy

The Hardyston Township Board of Education on April 27 adopted a $16.9 million budget for the 2026–27 school year that raises the local tax levy by 5.97% to help cover rising operational and student-needs costs.

Business Administrator Sue Verso told the board the district’s total revenue for the coming year is “about $16,900,000,” with the local tax levy accounting for the majority and the budget including a health-care adjustment of $334,443. The resolution read at the meeting listed general funds to be raised as $11,971,003.56 and debt-service taxes of $481,001.94.

Board members thanked administrators for months of work preparing the budget. Chair (board president) praised staff for “hours, weekends, evenings” of effort during budget development and opened public comment before the vote. After brief member discussion, the board took a roll-call vote and approved the final budget; recorded votes show six yes, two no and one absence.

Why it matters: presenters and board members said a sustained reduction in state aid over recent years and near-term cost increases for utilities and health care left the district little choice but to raise the levy while also making staff and program cuts elsewhere.

The board approved the budget with modifications required by the county superintendent and will submit the adopted budget to the county office for final processing before it becomes effective July 1.

Next steps: the adopted budget will be transmitted to the county office; board members noted implications for next year’s planning if the district forgoes the full health-care adjustment.