Upper Saddle River Schools Propose 27 Staff Cuts to Balance $32 Million Budget
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Upper Saddle River NJ, The Upper Saddle River (USR) Board of Education is facing a wave of community pushback after introducing a $32 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year that calls for the elimination of 27 staff positions.
Citing a “perfect storm” of skyrocketing health insurance premiums and utility costs, district officials say the cuts are necessary to maintain long-term financial stability. However, local parents argue the decision was made with too little notice and threatens the quality of their children’s education.
The Breakdown: Where the Cuts are Happening
Staffing currently accounts for 81% of the district’s total budget. To bridge the funding gap, Interim Superintendent Lauren Schoen outlined a reduction across nearly every department:
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Classroom Teachers: 11 of 130 positions
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District Support: 8 of 44 positions
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Paraprofessionals: 7 of 51 positions
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Campus Aides: 3 of 6 positions
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Specialists & Administration: 4 positions
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Custodial & Secretarial: 2 positions
Why Now? The Financial Drivers
According to district statements, the school system is grappling with three major financial hurdles:
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Health Insurance: A massive 30% increase in premiums.
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Utilities: A 20% spike in energy costs.
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Surplus Exhaustion: The district applied $2.3 million in surplus to the previous budget, leaving no “unspent funds” available for the upcoming year.
“Any suggestion that the district is mismanaging funds is inaccurate,” stated Interim Superintendent Lauren Schoen, emphasizing that the district followed state guidelines to avoid even higher tax hikes for residents.
The Impact on Your Property Taxes
If approved, the $26.8 million tax levy will make up 41% of the total municipal property tax bill. For the average Upper Saddle River home (assessed at $796,936), residents can expect:
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Tax Increase: 2.75%
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Annual Cost: An additional $142 per year.
The Referendum Debate: Why USR Isn’t Following Ho-Ho-Kus
Critics, including resident Javin Schefflein, have questioned why the board hasn’t pursued a public tax levy referendum—a move recently made by nearby Ho-Ho-Kus to cover similar shortfalls.
While some residents are calling for a special election on September 15 to raise necessary funds, the board has moved forward with the current proposal, citing the need for “fiscal responsibility” without relying on waivers that could further burden taxpayers.
Important Dates for USR Residents
A public hearing and final vote on the budget are scheduled for:
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Date: April 27, 2026
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Time: 7:00 PM
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Location: Cavallini Middle School Auditorium
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If you can contemplate these cuts the positions were never necessary.
what do you mean by this? I don’t understand your point
what do you mean by this? I don’t understand your point
Well then just take a look into Ridgewood faculty and all the extra not-needed administration. You could be in the same boat!
Do the math;
Waste
+Fraud
______________________
=NJEA Abuse of taxpayers
1. NJEA does not control the STATE HEALTH PLAN, the state does. Call your STATE representatives.
2. The teacher positions are needed your per pupil ratio will skyrocket, your rankings will dive and so will your property values.
3. Funded schools = desirable towns
SOME classes are going up by 2 students. this is a statewide crisis. Trenton needs to stop funding illegal immigration with our tax dollars