Superintendent Hasan

Plainfield Board of Education Outlines Capital Projects and Budget Adjustments at March Meeting

Plainfield Public Schools

March 26, 2025

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 Board of Education Outlines Capital Projects and Budget Adjustments at March Meeting

PLAINFIELD, NJ – March 26, 2025 – At tonight’s Plainfield Board of Education Business Meeting, Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S. outlined several key developments regarding the district’s budget and capital projects. The meeting highlighted responsible fiscal management while addressing the community's concerns, especially around the proposed tax levy increase.

Superintendent Hasan took time to clarify concerns about the tax levy increase. He emphasized that the increase is not 36%, as some have suggested, but rather a necessary step to continue providing high-quality education. Superintendent Hasan further compared Plainfield’s school tax contributions to other Union County municipalities. While Westfield taxpayers contribute over $11,000 annually, Plainfield’s contributions are among the lowest in the county, with Winfield Township and Elizabeth being the only municipalities with lower contributions.

The district is not in financial distress, and while the tax levy increase is needed, Plainfield is committed to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the increase remains manageable for the community.

The meeting also provided an update on capital projects and reductions in the budget. Despite the need for adjustments, the district is committed to investing in vital improvements to ensure that Plainfield Public Schools remains competitive and provide students with a safe, innovative environment.

Key capital projects include:

  • District Administration Building & Community Center Renovations: $8.8 million (updated to $6.6 million in the proposal)

  • Sensory Playgrounds: $1.125 million (reduced to $750,000 in the updated proposal).

  • Plainfield High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Wing Phase II: $2.2 million, this initiative is outlined in our district’s five-year strategic plan.

  • New Unit Ventilators for Cedarbrook & Evergreen Schools: Originally $3.2 million, now reduced to $1.6 million for one school site for this fiscal year.

  • ADA Ramp at Hub Stine Sports Complex: Will be placed on hold for now, costing $0.

However, in response to budget constraints, the district has made strategic reductions to balance the budget:

  • Capital Projects & Maintenance: Reduced by $3.65 million.

  • Educational Subscriptions: Reduced by $221,015.

  • Travel & Transportation: Reduced by $750,000.

  • Human Capital & Personnel: If the tax levy increase is not approved, the district will have to reduce district staffing. This may include school counselors, social workers, and other support staff.

Superintendent Hasan emphasized that the district does not want to exhaust our capital reserves account without knowing what changes might occur in Washington, D.C., which could impact future funding.

The Board also addressed questions about the district's travel budget, which is less than 1% of the total operating budget. This budget covers necessary travel for employees, including teachers, administrators, and students for educational trips like Florida A&M University (FAMU) Band Camp, as well as the use of personal vehicles for district-related travel. Superintendent Hasan clarified that while the travel budget for conferences and professional development is small, it is essential to ensuring that staff remain up-to-date and students have opportunities to participate in enriching educational experiences.

Superintendent Hasan confirmed that without a tax levy increase, the district would face significant challenges in maintaining current staff levels, including counselors, social workers, and other support staff. This would directly impact the district’s ability to provide the services that help students succeed.

The district remains focused on making the best decisions for the future, balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of the students and community. The Plainfield Board of Education is committed to ensuring that Plainfield Public Schools continue to provide a high-quality education for all students, even as it faces budgetary constraints.

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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.