Central Regional 2022-23 Budget: What You Need To Know

BERKELEY, NJ — The Central Regional School District voted to adopt a $45 million budget for the 2022-23 school year at the April 28 school board meeting.

Kevin O'Shea, business administrator and board secretary, gave a presentation outlining the budget. He said the school district's goal is to increase the reserve ahead of a potential recession.

Highlights of the $45,174,583 budget include no debt. "We are finally debt free," O'Shea announced. In the budget, an increase of 2.04 percent from the current year, all current programs will be maintained.

Here is the breakdown of how the budget will impact the average homeowner:

• Berkeley residents: the average home is valued at $205,620. There will be a $0.17 tax decrease per month.
• Island Heights residents: the average home is valued at $412,320. There will be a $2.41 tax increase per month.
• Ocean Gate: the average home is valued at $207,718. There will be a $0.69 tax decrease per month.
• Seaside Heights: the average home is valued at $244,283. There will be a $0.61 tax increase per month.
• Seaside Park: the average home is valued at $566,018. There will be a $2.36 tax increase per month.

The increases are "modest," O'Shea said.

The school enrollment is projected to remain the same for the next school year, O'Shea said. However, he added that he expects enrollment to start to jump in the next few years, referencing the construction on Station Road in Bayville.

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