Prior to 2010, the school district budget was voted on annually.  The average tax levy increase was 4.9%.

In 2011- 2012, the State of New Jersey reduced the amount of aid it provides school districts by 65%; this resulted in reductions in excess of $4-million made to the Westfield Public Schools operating budget. The State also placed a 2% cap, with eligible adjustments, on tax levy increases for districts opting out of a community vote on the district budget.

Until last year, the District was able to submit budgets at cap with minimal reductions due to proactive changes. Two years of a global pandemic and the related economic disruptions to supply chains and labor markets contributed to sharply rising costs in health benefits, transportation, out of district tuition, supplies and equipment, and other expenditures which severely outpace the District’s sources of revenue.

The District was forced to make reductions in staffing in the 2022-2023 budget in order to meet the 2% cap.

If the District has learned anything from the 2022-2023 budget cycle, it is that the funding formula with a 2% tax levy cap is unsustainable if the district is to continue offering our students the quality education that Westfield parents and residents have come to expect of the Westfield Public Schools. While we have been able to maintain our programs over the years, we have not been able to grow those programs or expand our academic offerings.

At its meeting on June 21, 2022, the Board of Education approved a resolution to move the date of the annual Board election from November to April.