Hillsborough School Board Debates 2% Hike
- Board debated proposed tax increase as part of the final budget process, weighing school needs against taxpayer pressure. - The increase under consideration is roughly 2 percent; talks continue before the board takes a final vote. - Any approved increase would directly affect property tax bills and school funding decisions (patch.com).
Hillsborough’s school board is still weighing a 2% tax levy increase for the 2026-27 budget ahead of an April 30 final vote. (patch.com) The Hillsborough Township Board of Education introduced the budget on March 23 in a 5-4 vote after a debate over school funding and rising property taxes. The proposal totals $182,748,175, or about $5.8 million more than the current year. (patch.com) Under the introduced plan, the general fund tax levy would rise by $2,891,204 to $147,451,418. Patch reported the district’s April 13 discussion focused on whether to keep the 2% levy, trim it, or try for no increase. (patch.com, patch.com) The debate lands in a town already dealing with higher property tax bills tied not just to school spending, but also to reassessments. Patch said the introduced budget would put the 2026 school tax on an average Hillsborough home assessed at $628,012 at $9,638.10, up $993.51 for the year. (patch.com) The district says the pressure is coming from both sides of the ledger. Superintendent Michael Volpe said the schools could absorb either a 0% or 2% levy next year, but he recommended taking the increase to protect longer-term finances. (patch.com) District officials have tied the proposal to a $519,761 cut in state aid and the loss of $1 million in one-time tax levy incentive aid from last year. Board President Joel Davis also said the district was hit with a $500,000 state funding cut as members reopened the levy debate on April 13. (patch.com, patch.com) The spending plan adds staff and security costs. Patch reported the budget includes 29 new positions, including kindergarten teachers, lunch aides, supervisors, a special education teacher, and instructional assistants, along with cameras, weapons detection monitoring, and license plate readers. (patch.com) Davis said other proposed items include a K-6 literacy supervisor, a K-6 math supervisor, more building monitors, an autism teacher and two aides at Auten Road Intermediate School, and a transportation and maintenance facility estimated at $7 million. He said some of those items would have to be reduced if the levy changes. (patch.com) Board members have also pointed to fast-rising operating costs. Patch reported health insurance is projected to climb 19%, or about $5.3 million, other insurance about 20%, or just over $2 million, and utilities about $200,000. (patch.com) The next key date is already on the district calendar: April 30, when the board is scheduled to hold its public hearing and vote on the budget at Auten Road Intermediate School. Until then, the 2% figure remains a proposal, not a final tax bill. (htps.us, patch.com)
