East Brunswick BOE Adopts Budget, Appoints 2 New Members

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The East Brunswick School District voted unanimously to adopt the controversial 2024-25 budget. The budget includes 51 job cuts as the district faces a shortfall of $7.8 million due to reduced state aid.

The $197.6 million general fund budget includes a total budgetary impact of $12.8 million. Salaries account for 69.3 percent of the budget which is $137 million and other expenditures account for 30.6 percent of the budget, which is $60 million.

The budget also includes a tax increase of 3.7 percent.

During the Board of Education meeting on May 9, community members expressed concerns and frustrations with the board's “lack of transparency, accountability, and engagement” with parents and the community.

Several residents spoke out against the elimination of Louis Figueroa's role as, Assistant Superintendent of Student Activities and Services citing his community involvement and investment in the town.

While half of the positions will be eliminated through resignations, retirements, and non-renewals, the other half will lose their jobs by June 30.

During the meeting, the BOE also put forward two nominations to fill the seats left vacant from resignations.

Heather James and Panjak Goswami were appointed unanimously by a vote and will serve until December 2024.

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