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Residents urge board to reject tax increase, criticize public notice and meeting times
Summary
Multiple residents told the board to oppose the proposed budget, criticized meeting timing and public participation limits, and asked where proceeds from a reported property sale would appear in the budget.
Several residents used the public-comment period to urge the board to reject the budget and to press the district and state on funding decisions.
"They're sending it to failed city schools," resident Bill Spadia said while criticizing the state funding formula and urging the board to "vote down this budget and not raise taxes." John Marion, another attendee, said cuts to extracurriculars like sports are harmful and encouraged the district to continue pushing the issue in Trenton.
Krista Whitaker asked for clarity about a reported $11.44 property sale and the district's plan to relocate central offices; the board replied that the district expects to remain in its current central-office location through 2029 and that sale proceeds were signed and should be added to the budget next week. Resident Jennifer Howe urged the board to reconsider early meeting start times (5:45 p.m.), saying that makes attendance difficult for parents with evening activities.
Speakers framed much of their criticism around the state formula and its local effects; several urged continued legal and legislative pressure on the Department of Education.
