'Our Budget Difficulties Are Not Going Away,' Bernards Township Schools Warns

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Budget woes continue to plague the Bernards Township School District, with the Board of Education(BOE) hinting at the possibility of holding a special election for residents to vote on a question to help balance the budget.

"Our budget difficulties are not going away," said Board member Keith Molinari. "Taxes are going to go up again."

Molinari pointed to the increases in healthcare, inflation, and unionized vendors.

"There is just no way [taxes] are not going to go up," said Molinari. "Staying under the 2 percent is likely not going to be possible unless we have further consolidation within the district. What that looks like is something to be discussed, whether that’s personnel, whether that's some programming that doesn’t affect the quality of our education."

Board President Jennifer White noted that if the Board chooses to go forward with a question, they "would have to have a special election in January."

The Board has asked the school administration to present options as to what the district would like if they make more cuts to stay under the cap, or go above the cap with a question.

Board member David Shaw noted that the Board will have a better idea of the fund balance next month to help make decisions.

"It's going to be another tough year. Our goal is not to go out to vote. No one wants to do that so that's the hope. We will do everything we can to try and stay away from that. We are asking the district to look into every possibility of what there is out there. They have to come to us with a plan of what they can cut and why before we do anything with this."

Budget woes have been building for many districts in New Jersey, including Bernards Township.

In May, the BOE unanimously approved a budget of $128,523,243 for the 2025-26 school year. This is an increase of 3.97 percent or roughly $3.7 million in the local tax levy, or 4.22 percent in total over the 2024-25 budget. Read More: Tax Increase, Staff Cuts Approved In Bernards Township School Budget

Under the approved budget, the tax impact on the average home property in Bernards Township valued at $871,769.11 will pay $9,542.89 or an increase of $405.97 for the year.

The budget also included cutting 28 school staff positions and program reductions to close a $2.5 million gap in the district's budget.

In May 2024, the BOE approved a tax increase, reduced staff, and made changes to transportation to save money. The Board approved the final budget of $123,317,081 for the 2024-25 school year with an increase of 3.6 percent. Read More: Staff Reduction, Transportation Savings In Bernards School Budget

The district cut $845,000 in salary and benefits and approved a later school start time and triple-tier bussing schedule for the district on March 11, 2024.

The Board will discuss possible options for the 2026-27 budget at upcoming meetings.

Superintendent Nick Markarian noted that if the Board chooses to move forward with a question to raise more funds in January, then the language would need to be approved in October.

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Aug. 25 at Ridge High School PAC.

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