Robbinsville Board Of Education Moves Forward With Public Question To Raise Taxes By $4.8 Million To Cover Deficits

With No Increase in State Aid, School District Seeks Additional Revenue to Avoid Teacher Layoffs, Large Class Sizes and Elimination of Courses. The Public Question will be on the November 7, 2023, ballot.

August 10, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Board of Education reports, with no other viable option, the Robbinsville Board of Education voted unanimously last night to place a public question on the November general election ballot, asking voters for $4.8 million to cover anticipated deficits in upcoming school budgets.

The school district is not asking for funding to launch new initiatives. Rather, the revenue is required to maintain the outstanding quality of the three schools, directly addressing funding shortfalls created by the state Department of Education.

“For a reason unbeknownst to us, Robbinsville consistently receives less state aid than other Mercer County school districts, forcing us to take these major steps to protect the school district’s reputation of excellence,” said Schools Superintendent Brian Betze. “We have reached this point with heavy hearts. We cannot idly stand by, knowing the quality and reputation of the Robbinsville schools are being threatened.”

The Robbinsville Public Schools prides itself on its exceptional staff, diverse programs, valuable resources, vibrant athletics, and enriching clubs. The proposed funding – if approved by voters – will allow the district to safeguard these vital components, ensuring that students continue to receive an exceptional, diverse education.

The school district is facing a projected $2.1 million shortfall in fixed costs and an additional $2.7 million cut in state aid, amounting to a combined $4.8 million deficit for the 2024-25 school year. The public question, with voter approval, will bridge this anticipated financial gap and prevent any adverse impacts to educational offerings.

“By securing the $4.8 million, we can confidently plan for the next two years, knowing that the district’s financial needs are met, ”the superintendent added. “Our goal is to ensure stability and maintain the high standards of education that our community expects and deserves. We want to assure you that every dollar allocated from the proposed funding will be used wisely and prudently. Transparency and accountability are the core of our values.”

School officials will be engaging with the community about the upcoming referendum, encouraging residents to learn more, ask questions and spread the word to ensure strong voter participation on Tuesday, November 7.

The school district website – robbinsville.k12.nj.us – will be regularly updated with the latest information about the upcoming referendum.