FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Vashon Lamont Hill, Chief of Marketing and Communications
Email: vhill@plainfield.k12.nj.us
Phone Number: (908) 731-4442 (Office) or (908) 591-1402 (Mobile)
Plainfield Public Schools Announces Preliminary Budget for School Year 2025-2026
Plainfield, NJ – On March 19, 2025, Plainfield Public Schools unveiled the preliminary budget for the 2025-2026 school year, marking a significant step in the district’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence and fiscal responsibility. The proposed budget reflects a focus on expanding educational programs, enhancing facilities, and ensuring sustainable growth to meet the evolving needs of students and the community.
The preliminary budget for the 2025-2026 school year totals $338,293,129, which includes a 1.65% increase from the previous year. The increase in local tax levy is estimated at $520,371, which is a 2% growth. There was an additional request for $9 million from previously uncollected taxes, drawn from a $57 million banked cap fund. This continued investment ensures that the district can continue its progress toward providing high-quality education while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The proposed budget allocates a substantial portion to salaries and benefits, amounting to over $192 million, which supports the district’s dedicated staff. This ensures Plainfield Public Schools can retain and recruit the best educators and staff to foster a learning environment that supports student success.
To further enhance student achievement and align with state standards, the district will invest $3.4 million in curriculum updates. This investment includes expanding the Science of Reading initiative with Fundations (K-1 phonemic awareness) and Heggerty (phonological awareness), integrating OpenSciEd for science, and strengthening Math Discourse. Educators will receive specialized training to maximize the impact of these new materials and instructional strategies, ensuring that the district’s teaching methods are both research-based and effective.
The district is also investing heavily in infrastructure and capital projects, with a focus on optimizing educational spaces. Notable initiatives include:
The $8.8 million renovation of the district’s administrative building, which will be repurposed into a community center that can host Board of Education meetings, administrative offices, and community events.The expansion of sensory playgrounds at Charles H. Stillman Elementary, Emerson Elementary, and the Plainfield Early Learning Center, previously known as BUF I and II, totaling $1.125 million.
A $2.2 million investment in the Plainfield High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing, marking another step toward enhancing vocational training for students.
The budget continues to prioritize early childhood education with significant investments in expanding Pre-K programs, including the creation of four inclusive in-district schools and the new Plainfield Early Learning Center.
Plainfield Public Schools is moving forward with various programs aimed at enhancing educational outcomes, such as:
The expansion of career and technical education (CTE) and English immersion programs.
Increased focus on culturally responsive teaching, restorative practices, and outdoor equity programs.
A new initiative to improve home-school communication through the expansion of the ParentSquare platform.
Plainfield Public Schools has maintained a stable tax levy for the past six years and has implemented cost-effective measures to ensure the sustainability of district operations. In a significant decision, the Plainfield Board of Education voted to raise the local tax levy of $853.01, marking the first increase in six years. The preliminary budget was passed following the executive session.
The district is set to submit the 2025-26 Preliminary Budget to the county by March 20, 2025, with the public hearing and adoption scheduled for April 29, 2025. The final budget will be adopted on May 14, 2025.
For more information about the budget, please visit the website.
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For more information on the Plainfield Public School District or this story, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.