LACEY – Homeowners in Lacey will most likely see a 7.57 percent increase in their school taxes provided the county superintendent gives their seal of approval to the local school board. School officials say this difficult decision to raise taxes was necessary to keep local control of the school district, despite significant cuts to staff and student services.
The budget for the 2025-26 school year, which increased by $1.4 million, was passed by a 5-2 margin after much debate among board members and passionate pleas from teachers, parents, and taxpayers. Some community members expressed concerns about the impact of the tax increase on household finances, especially after a 9.9 percent increase last year.
Acting Superintendent William Zylinski explained that the tax increase and budget cuts were a direct result of years of reduced state funding due to the S-2 school funding formula. He emphasized that the budget was a compromise to avoid the state taking over the school district, which could lead to even more severe cuts.
“State takeover remains a serious risk. While the full impact is uncertain, we know further program elimination, service losses and over-crowded classrooms are very likely in that scenario,” said Zylinski at a special budget meeting. “Tonight’s resolution is a step towards applying for a tax incentive aid package and continuing to seek state support, not state intervention, and keeping our district’s future in our own hands.”
The new budget follows weeks of contentious debate between residents who want to preserve district programs and services, and those who argue that skyrocketing taxes are unsustainable. Zylinski had previously urged the board to approve a much higher 14.2 percent increase in April that he said was the most responsible long-term plan for the community and its children.
“It would have allowed us to preserve essential services, maintain class sizes and protect the quality of education that parents and students have come to expect,” Zilinsky said. That proposal was rejected by a 6-1 vote – with only Board President Kim Klaus voting in favor of it.
Zilinski noted that 85 percent of the school budget goes to staffing and benefits. Support staff cuts linked to budgetary restraints include two custodians, three full time paraprofessionals, and four grounds workers. The district plans to suspend courtesy bussing for students within two miles of their school – and also hold off on replacing aging buses.
Elementary schools will be reconfigured to reduce costs and average class sizes are anticipated as rising to 33–35 students per classroom in elementary schools, 31 in middle school, and 38 at the high school. Cedar Creek will become the school for first grade and the autism program. Forked River School will house second and third grades and the Early Intervention Program. Lanoka Harbor will be for fourth and fifth grades and the Multiple Disabilities program.
“Huge changes in how our kids go to school, changes in how they go from school to school over time. This is budget driven at this point,” Zylinski said.
Some teachers and parents warned that those numbers are unmanageable, especially for younger students and those with special needs.
Public Speaks Out
Jessica Cellini, president of the Lacey Administrators and Supervisors Association and a 28-year district veteran, stressed the urgency of reducing class sizes. “Smaller classes allow teachers to build relationships, tailor learning, and improve academic outcomes,” she said. “This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the quality of learning and the emotional well-being of our kids.”
She also emphasized extracurricular activities, saying these programs give students a place to belong and excel. Cellini added they improve attendance, grades, and motivation,
Students and parents echoed that point, warning that cutting sports and clubs could drive families to transfer to other districts. “Without sports and clubs, students won’t have a reason to come to school,” one student said.
District leaders have dismissed plans to eliminate sports programs – at least for the upcoming school year.
Jen Bentley, a teacher at Lanoka Harbor School, who is the vice president of the Lacey Teachers Association lives in the community and graduated from Lacey schools. She reminded board members that their responsibility is to act in the best interest of the students and make decisions that promote their educational welfare.
Richard Bidnick, a strong opponent of any tax increase, has attempted to tie the school’s low test scores as a reason to deny funds. He’s even suggested that staff members take a ten percent cut in pay to make up for budget shortfalls.
“You expect the taxpayers to sacrifice just like we had to endure a 9.9 percent tax increase last year. You refused to give any givebacks, and all the money is going to you, your salary, and your benefits,” Bidnick asserted. “This is a fact and a very inconvenient truth. You all talk about empathy. Do you really have empathy, or selected empathy, which is more geared toward yourselves?”
Former two-term School Board member Regina Discenza also lobbied against the increases. “Please know that the 9.9 percent has forced the sales of many homes in this town, and it’s constantly making people choose food, taxes, or medicine, and that is not a nice choice for people to have to make,” she said. “There’s 28,000 people in this town, 4,000 students.”
Board members Salvatore and Cheryl Armato opposed the budget, citing concerns over the financial burden on residents.
Cheryl said the board’s reversal on a previously rejected tax increase was due to external pressure, not new information. She emphasized the impact on seniors and working families, stating that the increase would permanently raise the tax base, leading to ongoing financial strain. She argued that the board’s decision undermined public trust and set a dangerous precedent.
Salvatore echoed these concerns, highlighting that even with the tax increase, the district would only secure a temporary reprieve. He stressed the need for sustainable solutions and expressed his inability to support a budget that imposes long-term financial obligations for short-term fixes.
Longtime board member Linda Walker referred to Lacey schools as a cornerstone for the community. “Many families choose to move here because of the quality of our schools,” she added. “This crisis doesn’t just impact the approximately 4,000 students who may not yet vote, but are affected by what we do. It affects our entire community in Lacey Township.”
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