Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Funding Impact topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board cites $175 million in lost state aid, warns of staff cuts and program losses
Summary
In its resolution the board said Toms River has lost $175 million in state aid, eliminated over 250 staff positions and sold $20 million in assets; it warned that balancing the budget under state figures would require a $22.3 million revenue increase (12.9% tax hike).
Mister Burns read the board resolution that lists specific financial impacts the district attributes to the state's funding formula: a $107 million shortfall relative to adequacy and a cumulative loss of $175 million in state aid. The resolution attributes the loss to the state funding formula and says the cuts have led to more than 250 faculty and staff reductions and increased class sizes.
Mrs. Lamb told the board the district has already endured a "9.3% tax increase" last year and said the district had sold "$20,000,000 of assets" to remain operational. She warned that the only way, under the state's figures, to balance the 2025—6 budget would be a $22,300,000 revenue increase, described in the resolution as a 12.9% property-tax increase, which the board said it would not impose on taxpayers.
The resolution links those funding claims to consequences for special education services and extended school-year programs, which the board described as critical components of students' individualized education programs. Board members said they will keep those services running while pursuing legal and fiscal remedies.
