Bernards Schools Face $6M Budget Gap, Propose Staff Cuts and Tax Hikes

Lawmakers urged to address rising health costs and declining state aid impacting local schools

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of textbooks and school supplies repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the financial pressures facing the Bernards Township school district.The budget crisis facing Bernards Township schools highlights the broader funding challenges impacting public education across New Jersey.Bernardsville Today

Bernards Township schools in Basking Ridge are facing a nearly $6 million budget gap, prompting proposed staff cuts, higher taxes, and new activity fees for students. In response, the Board of Education passed a resolution urging state leaders to fix rising health benefit costs and restore special education aid so local programs and services aren't cut further.

Why it matters

The budget shortfall in the Bernards school district highlights the broader financial challenges facing many public school systems across New Jersey, as they grapple with rising costs and declining state funding. The proposed cuts and tax increases could have significant impacts on students, families, and the local community.

The details

Bernards Township schools are facing a nearly $6 million budget gap for the upcoming school year. In response, the district is proposing staff reductions, higher taxes, and new fees for student activities. The Board of Education has passed a resolution urging state lawmakers to address the rising costs of health benefits and restore special education funding to prevent further cuts to local programs and services.

  • The Bernards Township Board of Education passed the budget resolution in April 2026.

The players

Bernards Township Board of Education

The governing body responsible for overseeing the Bernards Township school district.

Bernards Township schools

The public school system serving the Basking Ridge community in New Jersey.

New Jersey state lawmakers

The elected officials in the state legislature who have the power to address the funding challenges facing Bernards Township schools.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Bernards Township Board of Education will continue to advocate for state funding solutions to address the budget shortfall and avoid further cuts to local schools.

The takeaway

The financial challenges facing the Bernards Township school district are emblematic of the broader funding issues impacting public education across New Jersey. Addressing rising costs and declining state aid will be crucial to ensuring that local schools can continue to provide high-quality education and services to students and families.