Butler Schools Cap Standout Year With National Rankings, Back-To-Back Football Title

BUTLER, NJ — Butler High School and Richard Butler School have both been named among the nation's best schools by U.S. News & World Report, capping a standout 2025-2026 school year that also saw the Bulldogs win a second consecutive state football championship and the high school band earn a rare partnership with William Paterson University.

"The 2025-2026 school year has been one of the most successful and transformative years in recent Butler School District history," Superintendent Dr. Daniel Johnson said.

Richard Butler School also retained its designation as a School to Watch, a separate national recognition.

On the athletic field, the Butler Bulldogs football team claimed a second straight state championship. "Our Butler Bulldogs once again made history," Johnson said, citing the team's "dedication, perseverance, and excellence."

The district's music program earned an equally rare distinction: the Butler High School band was selected for a prestigious partnership program with William Paterson University — only the third band in the program's history to receive the honor. Butler was also named a Best Community for Music Education by NAMM for the second consecutive year.

The strong year extended to academics and operations. The district completed its QSAC monitoring process with high scores across all areas. Amid a difficult fiscal climate that prompted staff reductions and school closures across New Jersey, Butler developed a budget that preserved all existing programs, expanded student opportunities and reduced the tax burden on residents. "During a challenging fiscal climate," Johnson said, the district "developed a budget that preserved every existing program, expanded opportunities for students, and reduced the tax impact on our community."

Derek Hall was recognized as the NJIC Athletic Director of the Year. District leaders and staff were also invited to present at the New Jersey AI Summit, highlighting what Johnson called the district's "forward-thinking approach to artificial intelligence."

Looking ahead, the district plans to launch the Butler Futures Program and the Butler 250 Project, a year-long initiative connecting learning experiences across the district to the nation's 250th anniversary.

"We are proud of all that we have accomplished together," Johnson said, "and even more excited for what lies ahead."

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com