North Brunswick board adopts $177 million 2026–27 budget, approves 3% tax levy increase

The North Brunswick Township Board of Education voted unanimously May 6 to adopt a $177 million budget for the 2026–27 school year, approving a 3% tax levy increase and a 2% overall budget increase.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Zakowski led a nearly hour-long final presentation outlining the district's revenue and spending plan. "Students. All students deserve the best education," he said, framing the budget's priorities as student achievement, fiscal responsibility and support for staff.

Why it matters: The district said the plan preserves positions and avoids layoffs through a mix of recurring revenue, conservative hiring, attrition, use of one-time reserve accounts for capital projects and cost-avoidance measures such as energy rebates. Dr. Zakowski said the general fund portion of the budget is about $155 million, state aid totals roughly $56 million, and federal grants account for additional funding. He cited a $550,000 energy grant obtained with Schneider Electric as one example of cost-avoidance.

Key budget numbers and assumptions (presented by the administration):
- Total budget: $177 million; general fund ~ $155 million.
- State aid: approximately $56 million; federal grants and entitlements make up other revenue lines.
- Tax levy increase: 3% (board reported the tax increase on an average assessed house would amount to about $16.67 per month under local assessment assumptions).
- Budget growth rate: ~2% year-over-year.
- Health-benefit cost pressures: the superintendent cited a near-32% increase in benefit costs as a statewide pressure the district is managing through self-insurance strategies.

The administration said one-time reserve use will fund capital and facilities work (electrical panel upgrades, turf and field maintenance, HVAC and other referendum projects) while staffing decisions will rely on attrition and line-item efficiency rather than layoffs.

Votes at a glance (items taken during the meeting):
- Adopt FY 2026'27 budget: moved by Vice President James; roll-call vote passed (Yes: Mr. Carter, Miss Aeda, Miss James, Mr. Lori, Dr. Patel, Mr. Singh, Miss SHA, Miss To).
- Consent agenda (personnel, curriculum, finance, transportation items): approved by roll call (tally recorded in meeting minutes).
- Settlement agreement (close-session item authorizing execution of a settlement): approved by roll call.
- Sidebar agreements with the North Brunswick Township Education Association: approved by roll call (Mr. Carter recorded an abstention).
- Appointment of Dr. Brian Zakowski as interim superintendent for July 1, 2026'June 30, 2027: approved by roll call (Mr. Carter recorded an abstention).

What's next: The administration will post the final budget documents as required; the board and administration said they will monitor enrollment and grant results and bring updates to the community as implementation begins.

The board's adoption takes effect after the formal posting of final documents and required state filings.