Middle Township Adopts $50.2 Million Budget for 2025-2026 School Year

Middle Township, N.J. – The Middle Township School District has adopted a $50.2 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year, relying on a property tax levy of $32.5 million and $13 million in state aid. This marks the first time the district's operating budget has exceeded $50 million, up from $48.6 million in the current fiscal year. The school tax rate for the fiscal year has increased by 2.5%, rising from $1.1436 to $1.1727 per $100 of assessed property value. The total general fund levy increased by 4.1%. Property taxes for schools now make up 52% of the total tax bill for homeowners in Middle Township. The school district is facing a decrease in state support, which has resulted in a heavier reliance on local taxes. In fiscal year 2026, the tax levy will account for 65% of the district's operating budget, up from 61.5% in fiscal year 2024. Federal funding, which had contributed significantly during the pandemic, has also dropped, with federal funds decreasing by half from $2.8 million in FY2024 to $1.4 million in FY2026. The district has also set aside $1.5 million for debt service and will use $1.2 million from the operating budget fund balance. The projected per-pupil cost has increased by 7%, from $16,164 in FY2024 to $17,300 in the new budget.