School Board Budget Sparks Controversy Among Barnegat Residents

BARNEGAT, NJ — When the $76.3 million Barnegat School District budget was introduced, it quickly became controversial to Barnegat residents.

A sign posted at Town Hall blaming the district for increased taxes and a Nixle alert sent out urged residents to speak their mind at the next Board of Education meeting. The $33.1 million Barnegat municipal budget came with a small tax increase, which officials touted as a success, and said to not blame the township for the increases from the school's budget. Read more: Small Tax Increase In $33.1M Barnegat Budget For 2023

Students had been present at the prior Township Committee meeting to learn about the government, but "instead, they were told their education was too much of a burden on the community," Board of Education President Sean O'Brien said, adding that he had "never been so disappointed" in Barnegat's leadership.

What came next was a lengthy meeting where the budget was combed over with a fine tooth with many details shared.

But the Board tabled the vote to look further into it, and it has not been adopted as of yet.

As it stands, the proposed school budget has a 6-cent tax increase per $100 assessed property value for Barnegat taxpayers. So, a home assessed at $244,000 would pay an extra $12.42 a month in taxes.

Education is an investment into the future, O'Brien noted, and said that between 2012 and 2022, the district's tax rate increased by 13 percent, but the municipal tax rate increased 32 percent. Meanwhile, the government gives themselves raises, while the school board is volunteers, he added.

A "zero-tax mentality" by prior school administration has lead to extra expenses, O'Brien said, to upgrade and repair maintenance issues.

Superintendent Brian Latwis and other officials gave a presentation outlining how the budget came to be and what a lower tax increase would do to the district.

Enrollment has increased in the district, especially special education students, which can add $30,000 to $40,000 a year, officials said. The increase in expenses means that the tax increase is necessary, they said.

Even a one-cent decrease would eliminate another position than what is already planned, impact clubs and change middle school graduation to a promotion ceremony.

If there was just a one-cent tax increase there would be numerous eliminations, large class sizes and no field trips.

They also touted their own accomplishments over the past few years, including an award-winning e-sports team and a highly-rated preschool program, both of which were criticized by former Barnegat mayors during public comment.

"Wow, I'm good at coloring," former mayor John Novak said of the preschool program.

Former mayor Susan McCabe said she didn't think an e-sports team was noteworthy. "How can that be a pitch?" she said.

A lengthy public comment session had residents voicing both concerns and support.

The Board agreed to look further into the budget and unanimously agreed to table the vote.

State guidelines say a decision must be made by May 14.