Bayonne, New Jersey, has released its proposed school budget for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Bayonne Board of Education introduced a $236 million plan, showing a 2% increase from the current year. This spending proposal includes $76 million raised through local property taxes. Officials said that the final numbers may change depending on how much additional state aid is received.
This budget is not yet finalized. It must go to the County Superintendent of Schools for review before a public hearing. Still, it gives a clear look into how the school district is adjusting to financial challenges.
- Bayonne’s school budget for 2025-26 is $236 million, with a $2.5 million local tax increase and a $2.1 million drop in state aid.
- 80% of the budget is for staff wages and benefits, while spending on school facility projects will decrease.
- Barbara McCann Stamato and Jackie Weimmer are demanding state funding reform, opposing $4 million in Bayonne school cuts, and are running in the June 10 primary against candidates backed by local party leaders.
Public Meeting Confirms Tax Hike and State Aid Cut
On May 4, 2025, a public meeting gave a closer look at how the budget is built. Although the total budget was originally proposed at $236 million, officials discussed a $210 million spending plan, about $310,000 less than the current year’s budget. The drop is due to a $2.1 million cut in state aid.
Bayonne’s schools usually rely on the state for 61% of their budget revenue. With less funding from the state, the school board plans to raise $2.5 million more in local taxes to fill the gap.
Around 80% of the budget will go toward wages and benefits for teachers and school staff, which leaves less room for other priorities. For example, officials said the district will spend less this year on building and facility improvements. Therefore, updates to older school buildings may be delayed or canceled.
Local Officials Demand Changes to State School Funding
While the school board handles the financial planning, local leaders are raising concerns about the fairness of school funding across the state. Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato (D-31) and Bayonne 2nd Ward Councilwoman Jackie Weimmer are calling for changes to the state’s school funding formula. They are both running in the upcoming June 10 primary.
Their argument is based on clear data. Bayonne is facing a $4 million cut, and Jersey City is losing $3 million in state aid. At the same time, the Jersey City Board of Education passed a $1 billion school budget this year. This large difference has drawn attention to how resources are distributed between school districts.
Both Stamato and Weimmer are part of the “Democrats for Change” group, along with Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez and Jersey City Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh. The group supports Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s run for governor. They are focused on pushing for a new funding model that better supports cities with growing student populations, aging school buildings, and higher costs.
Their main concern is that communities like Bayonne are receiving fewer resources, even as their needs grow. They believe the current formula does not reflect real school costs. They are using the budget situation as a reason to press the state government for a solution.
