Livingston Approves School Budget with Cuts, Tax Hike
What happened
Where it happened
- Livingston, Essex County.
LIVINGSTON, NJ — Budget passes with cuts and tax hike
The Livingston Board of Education unanimously approved the 2026–2027 school budget Tuesday, including staff reductions and a property tax increase.
The district had planned to cut 40 positions across teachers, aides, and support staff, though some kindergarten aide roles were restored after lower-than-expected prescription costs.
Officials say the issue isn’t a “shortfall,” but a gap between rising expenses and limited revenue — driven largely by a 33% spike in health insurance costs and a slight drop in state aid.
The gifted and talented program will not be eliminated, but restructured, with interventionists taking over services at the elementary level.
Core programs like full-day kindergarten, sports, clubs, and student tech will remain, along with new course additions at the high school.
For taxpayers, the impact is real: the average homeowner is expected to pay about $478 more per year. Student tech fees will also rise from $30 to $35.
Bottom line: Costs are up, cuts were made, and residents will feel it.
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