To: The President of the Monroe Township Board of Education and the Acting Superintendent

We, the residents of Monroe Township, formally object to the proposed $12 million increase in the school district budget. This 8% hike is a staggering burden that will lead to an estimated 5% increase in our property taxes—a consequence that is deeply concerning to us as taxpayers and homeowners.

The financial impact on our community is clear and significant. If this budget passes, the estimated annual tax increases based on assessed home values will be:

• $500,000 Home: $400 increase per year
• $750,000 Home: $600 increase per year
• $1,000,000 Home: $800 increase per year

This is not a one-time fee; it is a permanent increase that will compound every year moving forward. Furthermore, these figures do not even account for the anticipated increases in Municipal, County, and other property taxes that are already straining our household budgets.

When asked if we want our property taxes to rise by 5% or more, the answer from this community is a resounding NO.

Compounding the Burden: The Municipal Tax Increase
To make matters worse, this massive school tax hike is hitting us at the exact same time as a 4.3 cent municipal tax rate increase. While the Board of Education asks for more, the Township has already proposed a budget that adds nearly $150 to the average homeowner's bill just for municipal services. We are being squeezed from both sides. When you add the school board’s $12 million surge on top of rising municipal and county costs, the cumulative impact is no longer just "an increase"—it is a financial crisis for Monroe families, seniors on fixed incomes, and hardworking taxpayers who are already tapped out.

Our Demand
We believe this budget was not thoroughly vetted and fails to consider the economic reality of the people who fund it. We request that the Board of Education and the Administration return to the drawing board to find efficiencies and cost-saving measures that do not involve such a massive tax grab.

A Message to Our Elected Officials
To our elected Board of Education members: You were put in your positions to represent the interests of the community and to act as stewards of our tax dollars. We are watching your actions closely. Ignoring the outcry of your constituents and proceeding with this poorly conceived budget will not be forgotten at the ballot box.

Transparency and fiscal responsibility are not optional. We urge you to listen to the taxpayers, oppose this proposed budget, and protect the financial stability of Monroe Township families.