Lacey Schools Face $5 Million Deficit, Board Says

LACEY, NJ — Budget talks are starting for the Lacey Township School District, with a more than $5 million budget deficit possible, school officials said.

At their latest meeting, Lacey Township Board of Education President Kimberly Klaus reported on recent discussions with state officials regarding the district's significant budgetary challenges. Klaus said that Vice President Steve Gouin, Acting Superintendent William Zylinski and herself spoke with Sen. Vin Gopal in the previous week. Zylinski led this discussion, focusing on state aid reductions, insurance mandates and state levy restraints, Klaus said.

On Feb. 17, Zylinski led another call. This meeting included New Jersey Department of Education Chief of Staff Chris Williams, Assistant Commissioner Joseph Howe and Klaus. The discussion centered on the same budgetary issues facing the district. Topics covered included a significant increase in healthcare costs, the overall budget deficit and classroom sizes exceeding 30 students. They also reviewed the district's efficiency in areas such as busing, administration and operations.

Klaus reported that the district expects to receive updated state funding figures in mid-March when the governor releases them, telling the community to monitor the district's website for upcoming budget workshop dates. Currently, with flat state aid, the district is projecting a deficit of over $5 million, Klaus said.

The primary driver of this projected deficit is a $3.5 million increase in health insurance costs, which represents approximately a 29 percent rise. Klaus encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming budget workshops, noting that the district typically holds one or two in March and April. These workshops provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the budget situation and offer input. Check the school district website for more information.

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