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Plainfield Board of Education Approves Budget for 2025-2026 Budget
A Bold Investment in Students, Schools, and the Future of Plainfield
PLAINFIELD, NJ – May 14, 2025 – In a significant move to support educational excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the Plainfield Board of Education has officially adopted the district’s 2025–2026 budget. This budget marks a pivotal milestone in the district’s strategic vision to elevate student success, modernize school facilities, and expand opportunities for every learner.
The approved budget reflects Plainfield Public Schools’ unwavering commitment to academic achievement, equity, operational efficiency, and community engagement—all while maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility. Full budget details are publicly available on the district website to ensure continued community involvement and accountability.
“This budget is an investment in the future of Plainfield,” said Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S. “It reflects our belief that every child deserves a world-class education—and it provides the resources needed to make that vision a reality.”
Key Highlights of the 2025–2026 Budget:
Curriculum Enhancements and Literacy Support
The district is investing over $4 million to expand curriculum updates, including:
Deepening the Science of Reading initiative through Fundations and Heggerty programs.
Strengthening science instruction with OpenSciEd’s inquiry-based curriculum.
Advancing math instruction through enhanced discourse strategies.
Expanding literacy interventions with additional reading specialists and collaboration with universities to improve early reading success.
STEM Expansion
A $600,000 investment will enhance hands-on STEM learning through expanded coding, robotics, and laboratory experiences. Partnerships like Students 2 Science (S2S) will expose students to real-world applications in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, preparing them for high-demand careers.
Afterschool and Saturday Programs
The district will invest $800,000 to provide expanded afterschool and Saturday programs, offering:
Multilingual learner support,
Math and reading interventions,
High school credit recovery options.
These initiatives are designed to close achievement gaps, boost graduation rates, and ensure that learning extends beyond the traditional school day.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Enhancements
A $2.2 million investment in Plainfield High School’s CTE wing will modernize facilities, providing students with access to cutting-edge technology, certification opportunities, and industry-aligned skills training.
Expanded Early Childhood Education
The district is growing its Pre-K program by opening more in-district preschool classrooms, increasing enrollment to 222 students and establishing a strong foundation for lifelong learning, while supporting inclusive classrooms for students with special needs.
Infrastructure and Facility Upgrades
Major investments include:
$4.3 million in capital maintenance for school facilities.
$3.2 million for HVAC improvements at Cedarbrook and Evergreen Schools.
$1.25 million for the creation of three state-of-the-art sensory playgrounds.
Social-Emotional and Mental Health Supports
To ensure the well-being of students, the district will maintain a 1:300 social worker-to-student ratio and invest over $6.5 million into mental health services, family engagement, and expanded SEL (social-emotional learning) programs.
Equity and Innovation Initiatives
The budget allocates nearly $250,000 to support equity-focused professional development, culturally responsive teaching, restorative practices, outdoor learning experiences, and multicultural events.
Technology and Cybersecurity
A $1.5 million investment will continue advancing the district’s 1:1 device initiative, cybersecurity protections, and digital learning tools that support classroom innovation.
Fiscal Stewardship and Strategic Reductions
While expanding key programs, the district has also taken strategic actions to ensure long-term financial health by:
Deferring non-essential capital projects,
Streamlining operations through staffing realignment and transportation route optimization,
Achieving energy savings through the Energy Savings Improvement Plan (ESIP).
All decisions were made with the goal of preserving critical investments in student learning and protecting human capital that directly serves students.
Plainfield Public Schools remains committed to moving the district forward through innovation, transparency, and collaboration. The 2025–2026 budget ensures that the district’s programs, facilities, and supports are designed to meet the needs of today’s students while preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
To view the full 2025–2026 budget, visit www.plainfieldnjk12.org.
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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.