Dennis Township School District Receives State Approval for $1.8 Million Tax Levy Increase

DENNIS TOWNSHIP – The New Jersey Department of Education has approved the Dennis Township School District’s request for a $1.8 million increase in its tax levy to support the district’s budget. This approval comes despite voters rejecting previous tax increase proposals in 2023 and 2024. The levy, which does not require voter approval, will result in an additional cost of $186.60 per $100,000 of assessed property value for local taxpayers.
The district justified the increase by stating that it could no longer meet its constitutional obligation to provide a thorough and efficient education with the current funding levels. Retiring Schools Superintendent Susan Speirs noted that the levy does not solve the district’s broader financial challenges but is a step toward addressing immediate needs. The district also continues to explore long-term cost-sharing strategies, such as reducing administrative staffing and consolidating facilities. A budget hearing and vote to adopt a 2025-2026 budget reflecting the tax levy increase were scheduled for May 6. The increase was granted through the Department of Education’s Tax Levy Incentive Aid Program, which allows districts facing significant state aid reductions to replace some of that lost funding with taxpayer dollars. Dennis Township schools have seen a decline of $4.3 million in state aid over the past seven years. The tax levy increase is permanent and sets a new base for future years, subject to state budgetary caps.