Hillsborough School Board Approves 1.31% Tax Levy Increase For 2026-27 Budget

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The Hillsborough Township Board of Education(BOE) approved a final 2026-27 school budget with a 1.31 percent tax levy increase after hearing sharply divided public comment about taxes, affordability, and the effect of cuts on students and district operations.

During the BOE meeting on Thursday night, residents urged the board to weigh the burden on taxpayers against the district’s needs.

Luis Arango of Vliet Drive said he has been a resident since 1992, and both he and his wife are retired.

He spoke about affordability and noted how expenses continue to increase, yet "There's no cost of living adjustment increase in the pension that should be received from the state. That means that inflation goes up year over year, over year, the value of the pension goes down."

"It makes you wonder where all this is going to stop and when those in charge in power will take affordability seriously. Tonight is an excellent opportunity for this board to do so by supporting a 0 percent increase in the tax levy, especially after years of last year's massive tax increase."

Last year, the BOE voted to take advantage of the state's Tax Incentive Aid option and approve the increase of the local tax levy by up to $22.9 million.

Elaine Welsh of Orchard Drive, who said she has lived in Hillsborough for more than 35 years, told the board, "Since 2021, my property taxes have been increased by 40 percent."

She also said, "Last year alone, my taxes went up over $1,400."

Other speakers urged the board to keep the tentative budget in place or stay closer to the district’s original plan.

Cynthia Assini, who identified herself as a parent of an elementary student and a rising kindergartener, said, "Please move forward with the tentative budget that you approved."

She said changing the number late in the process would limit the administration’s ability to make reductions carefully and with community input.

Mary Beth Delisi, who works at the middle school, said, "I am urging you to go to the 2 percent increase," adding that "the effects of a 0 percent increase, I believe, would be detrimental long past this school year."

Hillsborough Education Association President Henry Goodhue also urged the board to avoid deeper cuts, saying, "The only way we do that is through responsible budgeting."

He said passing a stable budget would help the district avoid "cutting 56 jobs or losing programs or taking away busing or reinstituting fees for students for basic things that they should get in schools."

During a lengthy discussion lasting around two hours, Board member Paul Marini proposed removing four line items from the worksheet instead of approving the 2 percent levy as presented.

Marini said his recommendation would leave the district at a 1.31 percent increase.

On the final vote, all Board members approved the increase, including Marc Ehrenkrantz, Elaine Jackson, Cassandra Kragh, Allison Laning-Beder, Cynthia Nurse, Jane Staats, Jean Trujillo, and Joel Davis.

Watch the full budget presentation, public comments, and board discussion below:

• Previous Reporting: Tax Increase Proposed In Hillsborough, School Board Members Split Over Decision

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.