Berkeley Heights board adopts $59.4 million 2024–25 budget after questions about transportation revenue

The Berkeley Heights Board of Education approved the district’s final budget for the 2024–25 school year at its May 8 meeting, authorizing submission to the Union County executive superintendent.

Acting Superintendent Mister Nixon and Business Administrator Anthony Jeskiewicz presented the spending plan before the vote, saying the budget preserves current staff and programs while funding targeted additions, including a reading specialist at Columbia Middle School, a part‑time nurse at Governor Livingston High School and an additional athletic trainer to improve event coverage. Jeskiewicz said the district’s total budget is $59,438,888 and that roughly 82.7% of appropriations cover salaries and benefits.

The administration told the board that cost pressures — including projected increases in property and casualty insurance (10–15%), health benefits (about 11%) and utilities (about 10%) — were built into the plan. Revenue assumptions incorporated a projected small decline in state aid and an estimate of $126,000 from subscription‑busing receipts based on historical participation.

During board questions, the administration described the transportation plan in detail: the district expects about 11 buses and projects eight drivers by September after recent hires and retirements, and administration staff said they will plan routes based on sign‑ups, not all sign‑ups are guaranteed a seat. Transportation Director Miss Sheehan told the board that subscription seats are allocated to existing stops when room exists and that the district will attempt to accommodate as many families as possible.

Residents used the public comment period to press the board on transportation and safety concerns, asking whether insurance projections account for increased liability if fewer students receive free courtesy busing and whether surplus funds could be reallocated. Jeskiewicz said liability is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis and that surplus funds cannot automatically be applied to subscription busing without following reallocation rules.

The board approved the budget by roll call vote and will file it with the county office. Administration said adjustments required by the state will be returned to the board for approval at the public budget hearing if necessary.

The board’s next procedural step is formal submission of the adopted budget to the Union County executive superintendent and any state conformity adjustments prior to final certification.