PARK RIDGE, N.J. — The Park Ridge Board of Education will present its proposed $40.76 million school budget for 2025–26 at a public hearing on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m., inviting Ridgers to weigh in before final adoption.
The plan reflects two major trends facing the district: a decline in enrollment and a continued rise in per-pupil costs, all while local taxpayers are asked to shoulder a larger share of funding.
Tax Levy Up $1.1 Million
The proposed budget increases the local school tax levy from $33.89 million to $34.99 million—a $1.1 million rise, or 3.3% year over year. This comes as state aid declines from $1.88 million to $1.70 million, and federal aid remains flat at roughly $395,000.
The district projects a student population of 1,131 for the coming year—down from 1,151 in 2024 and 1,167 in 2023. At the same time, the total comparative per-pupil cost is set to rise from $28,961 to $30,263, a 4.5% increase over one year and nearly 24% since 2022–23.
Where the Money Goes
The bulk of the budget—about $38.2 million—is for general operations. Key allocations include:
- $14.3 million for classroom instruction (regular, special education, and co-curriculars)
- $23.8 million for support services (including child study teams, health, guidance, transportation, and tuition for students placed out of district)
- $8 million in employee benefits, up 10.6% from the previous year. A review of the budget meeting minutes shows the board included a $425,050 adjustment for rising health insurance costs, a step permitted under state budget rules to help districts manage premium increases.
Capital spending drops to $1.31 million, down from $3.14 million this year and nearly $5 million the year before. Still, the district will complete key facilities projects, including HVAC upgrades ($850,000) and bridge repair ($450,000), funded by a $1.3 million withdrawal from the capital reserve.
In a resolution, the board noted that these capital projects are considered beyond the state’s minimum facilities standards and are funded through a $1.3 million withdrawal from the district’s capital reserve.
The district’s repayment of debt remains steady at $776,209, supported in part by state aid.
COVID Relief Funds Phase Out
Park Ridge, like many districts, saw a sharp decline in federal pandemic-era funding. In 2023–24, the district received over $500,000 in ARP-ESSER and CRRSA grants. That number dropped to zero in the current and proposed budgets. Federal aid now consists entirely of Title I–III education grants and IDEA funding.
Budget Access and Public Comment
The tentative budget was adopted by the board at a March 18 special meeting and submitted to the Executive County Superintendent for review, as required by state law. The budget is on file and available for public review at the Board of Education office, 85 Pascack Road, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.
The public hearing on Tuesday, May 6, will be held at the Park Ridge High School Little Theater at 7 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend.