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There is hope for the Flemington-Raritan School District budget

Act by April 28: A Critical Moment for Flemington-Raritan Schools


There is still hope for the Flemington-Raritan School District’s budget — but only if our community acts before Monday, April 28.


What’s Happening?

The Board of Education recently voted to apply for the Tax Levy Incentive Program offered by the State of New Jersey. This program allows school districts to raise taxes up to 10.1% on the school portion of the tax bill (which is about 45% of the total property tax in Raritan Township).


This opportunity is only available to districts that are under adequacy — a designation meaning the state believes our district isn’t funding even the basic educational needs of our students.


That’s not just disappointing — it’s unacceptable.


But here’s the good news:If the district goes to the full 10.1%, the state will offer a 5% tax credit to residents. That’s essentially free money for our schools — and a financial cushion for taxpayers.


➡️ Want to understand what “adequacy” means? Read this overview from the NJ School Boards Association.



What Have We Already Lost?

Because the March budget vote failed, 65 critical positions have been cut across the district, including:

  • Classroom Teachers

  • Reading Recovery Specialists

  • Gifted & Talented Teachers

  • Nurses

  • Class III School Safety Officers

  • School Counselors

  • Administrators

Every school and every student is being impacted.


The Choices Before the Board

On May 1, the Board of Education will vote on the final tax levy for the 2025–2026 school year. These are the options:

  • 10.1% tax levy → Restores 15 G&T and support teachers

  • 8% tax levy → Restores 9 G&T and support teachers

  • 5.1% tax levy → No restorations, just stops additional cuts


At their last meeting, the Board approved a 5.1% increase — more than last year, yes, but it doesn’t bring back a single educator. We are still below what the state defines as “adequate.”


We can — and must — do better.


Why This Is So Urgent

🛑 The final budget will be locked in on Monday, April 29, a full 48 hours before the public Board meeting on May 1.🗣️ That means public comment at the meeting won’t matter — the budget will already be finalized.


If you care about restoring these critical positions, your voice must be heard now.


What You Can Do Before Monday, April 29

✅ Email every Board member and urge them to support the full 10.1% tax levy.

💬 Talk to your neighbors, post on social media, forward this blog, and encourage others to act.

📝 Encourage your kids to write letters, especially if they’re losing a beloved teacher or support program.

📨 Already emailed once? Email again. The Board increased the levy from 4% to 5.1% last time because of public input — and they applied for the state incentive despite pushback. Community voices work.


Contact the FRSD Board of Education

Flemington Borough

Raritan Township

📄 Want more details? Read the district’s official budget presentation here.

 
 
 

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