New Providence BOE Approves the 2026-2027 School Budget

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Board of Education (BOE) approved the 2026-2027 school budget at its Thursday, April 30 meeting. Vice President Stacey Gunderman and Board Member Donna Zane provided the budget presentation. The $53.5 million operating budget features a 4.28% spending plan increase compared to the last year’s budget. The tax increase for an average borough home assessed at $311,019 will go up by 3.34% or $328 per year. The goals on the operating budget are similar year to year, such as maintaining educational programs and supporting student achievement. Each year the district reviews and analyzes the staffing needs and maximizes operational efficiencies. Other goals include enhancing security and facilities while maintaining the culture of the district. The tax burden on taxpayers is also kept in mind. The district will continue all educational programs while updating curricula. For example, the district is updating all Video and Media Design courses as well as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, and AP Spanish in the high school. New Advanced Weight Training will also be offered at the high school. The budget also features a decrease of four teaching and one secretarial position through attrition. Gunderman noted that the staffing decrease does not affect the class size policy. Classroom instruction and employee benefits comprise the largest budget allocations, 39.4% and 24.6% respectively. The main budget drivers are employee benefits with a $1.5 million increase compared to the last budget cycle as well as special education tuition with an increase of nearly $600,000. This year the state aid totals $3,043,431 which is nearly $95,000 less than what the district received last year.The cost per pupil in New Providence is $19,004 which is lower than at nearby peer communities. The average cost per pupil in the state is $21,199 based on the 2025 figures. The full budget presentation can be found here: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1777642844/npsdk12njus/ewdpdnk7tpfgw5qjoj4l/2026-2027BudgetPresentation-Final4-24-26.pdf