2026-'27 Woodbridge School Budget Brings 3.2 Percent Tax Increase For Property Owners

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — At the May 7 school board meeting, the Woodbridge school district presented the budget for next year, the 2026-'27 school year.

Here is the budget presentation from that meeting: files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1584/Wtsd/d2a3e4f0-dc4f-40ae-afa0-73081f9572fb/Budget-Presentation-2026-2027-FINAL-COPY.pdf?disposition=inline

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The biggest news from the budget presentation is there will be a 3.21 percent increase in school taxes this year in Woodbridge. It amounts to about $197 more per year, per home.

"I think it's very fair, if you look around to some other school districts and Townships," said school superintendent Joe Massimino. "We've had our series of ups and downs; a lot of that is based on state funding, which is unpredictable at best. We have done our best to be conscientious of the taxpayer."

He said the increase in property taxes and state aid "pale in comparison" to rising costs the school district faces.

The district had to pay a 19 percent increase in custodial salaries, as it signed a new contract this year with its custodial staff. It also saw a 16 percent increase in security costs, as the district was forced to add security guards at night at all three high schools.

The district also has to pay a 13 percent increase in out-of-district tuition, which is money the district must pay to send students to other districts, plus an 8.6 percent increase in health insurance benefits for staff, and an increase in staff salaries, which saw a modest increase of three percent.

Similar to what we all experience at home, utility costs (what the district pays to keep schools buildings warm and cool) have increased 10 percent since last year.

In September, Woodbridge will open a transitional kindergarten class and launch two additional autism programs. Both of those bring additional costs.

The board will vote on and approve this budget at their meeting this Thursday, May 14. That meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Ross Street Elementary School.

What's new that the district will implement in 2026-'27:

• Implementation of the new Cursive Writing mandate
• Updates to the K-12 Science Curriculum to reflect changes made to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) effective September 2026
• Expansion of the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJSTSS)
• Intervention Program in Elementary Mathematics
• The school district will introduce several new courses: Geography (elective), Grades 6-8
• AP Business
• AP Cybersecurity
• Expansion of electronic World Language program resources

Upcoming projects the Woodbridge school district is planning for:

• Continuation of Avenel Street School #4&5 renovations and new building (Bond/paid by PILOTS)
• Construction of new school in Hopelawn (paid with PILOTS)
• Replacement of Colonia High School bleachers and press box
• Renovation of the traffic circle and parking area at Woodbridge High School
• Reconfiguration of the driveway and entrance at Lafayette Estates School #25
• Renovation of the ACE Room at Woodbridge High School
• Paving the outdoor area behind Woodbridge Middle School

Technology improvements:

• Network switch upgrades (e-rate reimbursed)
• Cybersecurity upgrades/enhancements
• Student 1:1 Chromebook refreshments

Here is Massimino presented the budget at the May 7 meeting; it's very brief, only 8 minutes. Watch: