Clinton Township Newsletter

1 0 n o v e m b e r 2 0 2 5 W W W . C L I N T O N T W P N E W S L E T T E R . C O M Though the 2025–2026 school year has only just begun, we are already looking ahead to the 2026–2027 budget and beyond. Over the past several years, the district has reduced staffing to contain costs. While these measures created savings, we are now at a point where further cuts would mean students lose access to services that are common in neighboring districts and overall support for teaching and learning would decline. Since 2010, New Jersey law has capped annual property tax increases at 2%, and in some years our district held the increase at 0%. While this helped taxpayers in the short term, it has left us with very limited options if we want to continue providing excellent schools, maintain reasonable class sizes, and avoid reductions in areas such as transportation, arts, and athletics. At the same time, our facilities face mounting needs: aging HVAC units, roofs nearing replacement, failing pumps, paving, and window work. Even though our middle school is relatively new, it is approaching 20 years old, and we will still be paying down its debt until 2034. Beyond facilities, our financial picture is further strained by challenges outside our control. Costs for electricity, fuel, and essential services continue to rise well beyond 2%. It is no secret that everything is more expensive, and schools are not immune to these price increases. In addition, the district remains in litigation tied to sexual abuse cases from the 1960s and 1970s, which were filed after the statute of limitations was lifted in 2019. These events occurred decades ago, yet because the district's insurance at that time was inadequate, any judgments must be paid from our current budget—directly impacting today's students. Court proceedings are scheduled for this spring, and while we will defend the district, the financial impact is uncertain. The good news is that we are addressing these issues proactively. In recent years, we have used Direct Install programs and one- year bond notes to complete critical projects such as replacing boilers, repairing roofs, upgrading windows, and modernizing HVAC systems. We continue to emphasize regular maintenance to prevent costly emergencies. In addition, the district has established a Budget Advisory Committee, which has examined the details of school funding and worked with us to design a survey for the broader community. This survey will help us better understand what programs and services residents view as essential and where adjustments might be possible. While we recognize that taxes are already high and some residents do not directly use the schools, strong public schools sustain property values and benefit every member of the community. As Superintendent, I take full responsibility for the district's budget and for the path forward. I will not allow our schools to fail, but without a change in the current funding structure, the strain will continue to grow. We are committed to transparency, to hearing from you, and to making informed decisions together. As we approach final budget development in February, we will invite the community to open sessions where questions can be asked and addressed directly. We know that people want to move to areas where there are great schools, and great schools require adequate funding. Clinton Township School District is one of the best districts in the county, and with an informed and engaged community, we can ensure it remains that way. – Sincerely, Dr. Melissa Stager, Ed.D Superintendent, CTSD A MESSAGE FROM DR. STAGER, CTSD SUPERINTENDENT: FISCAL OVERVIEW www.ctsdnj.org www.ctsdnj.org I N O U R S C H O O L S : IMPORTANT DATES TO KEEP IN MIND THIS MONTH November 3 Early Dismissal (Offices open) November 4 School Closed (Offices open) November 5 Early Dismissal (Offices open) November 3, 4, 5 Parent-Teacher Conferences November 6-7 School Closed (NJEA Convention) November 26 Early Dismissal November 27-28 School Closed (Thanksgiving Break) December 23 Early Dismissal December 24-Jan 2 School Closed (Winter Recess) C L I N T O N T O W N S H I P S C H O O L N E W S Spruce Run Preschool Spruce Run has welcomed fall with an exciting tree study! Our students are exploring the science of changing leaves, learning about apple trees, and discovering how trees grow a n d c h a n g e w i t h t h e s e a s o n s . The classroom is filled with leaf collections, colorful observations, and hands-on learning as students connect with nature around them. Spruce Run Preschool is electing our first school mascot! Teachers introduced students to five animal candidates and explained how a mascot represents our school spirit and community. Students are learning about each animal's special traits and discussing which one best represents Spruce Run. Voting is underway, and we can't wait to announce our winner soon! Vote for our NEW Mascot!

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