Readington tentative budget funds preschool expansion, counselor position and large solar buildout

Readington Township School District Superintendent Dr. Hart presented a tentative 2024–25 budget that preserves classroom sizes while shifting key services from federal grants into the local levy and expanding preschool capacity.

Dr. Hart said the budget’s goals are “to present a budget, at the 2% state post cap on the tax levy with allowable adjustments,” and stressed the district’s aim to align spending with its strategic plan emphasizing inquisitive learning, social awareness and partnerships. He reported current K–8 enrollment at 1,410 and total current enrollment of 1,512 with preschool at 102; anticipated K–8 enrollment for next year was presented as 1,359 and total projected enrollment about 1,574, driven largely by expanded preschool participation.

The draft budget moves the district’s behavioral health counselor from ESSER grant funding into the local budget, a change Dr. Hart described as meeting “a need for our students” and consistent with the district’s workforce priorities. The presentation also lists two teaching positions to be reconfigured through attrition and shows increases in stipends and pay rates tied to the new teacher contract that will raise several personnel line items.

On capital work, Business Administrator Jason Baum (presenting the capital section) outlined a major middle‑school main‑office renovation that includes asbestos remediation and HVAC work; because remediation is complex, some construction will extend into the school year with sealed worker access to the site. Baum said the district will refurbish preschool rooms across 14 sites, add new furniture and resources, and create shared instructional support roles to standardize the preschool experience.

The plan includes a large solar expansion the administration said would boost onsite generation to about 85% of the district’s winter demand and approach 100% in summer months, with expected construction kickoff in July–August. The board presentation said most projects will be funded from district reserves, with some grants covering a small portion of costs.

Administrators showed the budget’s composition: about 65% of expenses are salaries and roughly 21% are benefits, meaning approximately 86% of the budget is staff‑related. State aid increased by roughly $300,000 and the district reported large preschool aid, which administrators said supports the move to offer free preschool broadly. The proposed tax levy increase was presented at about 2.6%; the presentation translated that to an increase of approximately $124 for an average $450,000 home.

Why it matters: administrators said the budget aims to balance fiscal prudence with investments in mental‑health supports and early‑childhood programming that, they argued, both reduce the need for out‑of‑district placements and strengthen district offerings. Next procedural step: the board will consider the tentative budget during the public process ahead of the April 30 budget endorsement deadline.

Sources: presentation by Superintendent Dr. Hart and capital/finance remarks by Jason Baum (administration).