Parents urge transparency as Morris School District adopts 2026–27 budget with administrative cuts

The Morris School District Board on the evening of the meeting moved forward with the recommended 2026–27 budget while parents implored the board to maintain robust special education leadership and involvement in hiring decisions.

Miguel Mendez, a parent and president of the district's CPAC, told the board that "a special application is not discretionary. It's a legal obligation" and asked for clear explanations about why two supervisory positions would remain while some special-education roles were altered. Mendez urged the board to include families in final interviews for the new director role and to publish organizational charts explaining how the proposed structure will preserve K–5 special-education leadership.

The budget presented by Anthony LaFranco calls for a 3.5% tax-levy increase — described in the presentation as bringing the district levy to $111,900,000 — and about 21 positions trimmed, saving roughly $2,400,000 plus $1,800,000 reduced from other budget lines. LaFranco said those changes were driven by reduced student counts in some grades and by rising health-care costs; the presentation estimated the average Morristown homeowner would pay about $330.86 more per year and the township $78.03.

Parents at the meeting described prior program changes they say disrupted services. Rudy Simic recounted that the dismantling of a program (referred to in public comments as KAVAS/CABA) had led to higher student-to-teacher ratios and emotional harm for some students. Carrie Lago Marcino, whose letter was read for her, and Christina Baron, another parent, said replacing experienced staff and reducing consistency among case managers threatens progress for students with IEPs.

Superintendent Dr. Nashi responded directly to concerns, saying she would stay after the meeting to address questions and provide more detailed answers; she also told the room there is "nothing in the budget that indicates any reduction in services or any reduction in programs for our special education students." She said some administrative positions were consolidated and responsibilities reassigned and that a supervisor will be responsible for K–5 special education. The superintendent also acknowledged an earlier email-invitation error that delayed outreach to some parent groups.

Board members and staff emphasized the district's stated goal of sustaining special-education supports despite structural changes. Several parents asked the board to provide more transparent documentation about the new director role and the district's plan for oversight, and to ensure family participation in hiring decisions.

The board also moved through numerous consent and committee motions that evening, including first readings of several policy items and a slate of personnel and procurement motions, and proceeded with roll-call votes on the stated agenda items.

The board did not announce additional program eliminations for special education during the meeting; parents left asking for clearer organizational charts, written rationales for personnel changes, and follow-up meetings with administration.