There’s a seasonal shift this time of year. With the sun and increasingly warmer weather comes pollen, year-end budgeting, and more outdoor events. So, we’ve dedicated this April issue of Princeton Perspectives to just that – Spring in Mercer County: Issues, Events, and Everyday Impact.

What is your favorite or least favorite part of spring? Locals weigh in, in this month’s Pulse of Princeton video, which you can watch right now. Do you agree with them?

Though it often feels like 2026 just started, area school districts are in the weeds trying to finalize their budgets for the 2026-2027 school year. Lots of Impacting Factors as School Budgets Considered for 2026-2027 details what is going on at the state and local levels, and what it might mean for taxpayers.

As you prepare to make your annual tax payment to the IRS, make sure you only click and send in forms that you or your tax preparer know are legitimate. There are a lot of shady people trying to make money off your naivete. We get into what is happening and how you can protect yourself in the article The Digital Bullseye: Why Princeton is a Prime Target for Global Scammers.

While you’re paying out (or maybe collecting back) some of your hard-earned money to the government, you likely are sitting beside a well-used box of tissues. As pollen counts start to climb, what can we expect this spring? How to Best Prepare for and Tackle Seasonal Allergies is written by a local allergist, to help you get through it as easily as possible.

Scams and allergies might be the harder parts of spring, but the rise of exciting outdoor events is certainly a positive. Music to Your Ears: Princeton Porchfest Enters Fifth Year shares about what this local tradition has come to mean, where you can go and how you can experience local live music all around you.

You can also get out and immerse yourself in local history. In this month’s Perspectives Revisited we remind you of the marked Revolutionary path you can follow. We also highlight another move in the effort to bring down utility prices across the Garden State.

Has the weather finally turned for good? We can’t promise that, but we can promise some enlightening and interesting reads if you want to take your phone, tablet or laptop and sit outside in the sun to catch up on some local information. Happy reading!

With a set amount of revenue and a growing list of expenses, school budgeting has become one of the most complicated public issues of the season. Last month, Governor Sherrill announced a record $12.4 billion investment in public K-12 education, but is that enough?  Towns like Princeton, which approved its latest referendum and is expecting an increase in state aid, are finding it tough to make ends meet. The challenges become even more complicated in places like Robbinsville, where a March referendum failed, and which is expecting a decrease in state aid.

STATE AID

For most schools, revenue comes primarily through a local tax levy, combined with funding provided from the state. With taxes usually rising from year to year, it raises the question of why that does not keep up with the schools’ needs. The answer is that expenses beyond the district’s control, such as rising health care premiums, combined with controls on the amount that can be brought in, makes budgeting difficult.

Simply put, the school funding formula was created in 2008, under Gov. Corzine. Then in 2011, Gov. Christie instituted a tax levy cap of 2% for all NJ school districts. Together these policies worked well for most districts for about 10 years – but post-COVID, many are hitting a brick wall. Federal pandemic grants are no longer masking the additional needs, and the difference between costs and what can be collected is becoming glaringly real.

Though the state will be contributing $372 million more to school districts than it did last year, every district across the state is working to create realistic budgets without negatively impacting students.

We’ll examine how this challenge is being tackled in two districts: Princeton and Robbinsville.

PRINCETON BREAKDOWN

Princeton Public Schools (PPS) is in a strong position compared to many. It is expecting a 3% increase in state aid for 2026-2027. In terms of other revenue, it will receive the tax levy from Princeton residents which is capped at 2%, with some exceptions. Districts may exceed this cap to cover increased healthcare benefits, depending on how their costs compare to the state’s health benefits program. PPS’s increase is lower (the state’s is rising 31%), which will allow it to increase the levy by an additional 2.3% for healthcare. Also, from years when the max 2% was not used, districts can bank the difference. So, PPS also has $13,600 remaining from previous years to fold in. In total, with Board approval, PPS could increase the school tax levy by 4.33%.

In addition, PPS also receives Cranbury tuition, contributions (mainly from Princeton University), and this year $300,000 from the municipal PILOT agreement. Yet somehow, finances are still tight. Why? Healthcare premiums are rising roughly 15%, out-of-district tuitions are up 5.4%, maintenance has increased 4.9%, and transportation contracts could go up by 3.58%. PPS also has to cover a charge for Princeton Charter School, which went up $425,000 over last year. Additionally, a new municipal sewer charge of $100,000 is being added to the books.

“In terms of state aid, we enjoyed an increase of approximately 3.6%, but we lost 3% of our state aid last year, so our state aid is up about one-half a percent over the past two years,” explains PPS Superintendent Dr. Michael LaSusa. “Budgetary challenges are common across the state right now and many districts are in a state of crisis.”

Dr. LaSusa highlights districts like Tenafly (a community a lot like Princeton), which will see an 8.3% tax levy increase. Though high, it pales in comparison to Hoboken’s 27% increase in the tax levy – both impacted by health insurance premiums.

Beyond healthcare, the question remains: if a high-taxing municipality like Princeton is struggling, how do communities with lower-taxed residents afford to fund their schools?

“Some districts offer only a couple of world languages. Some districts have much larger class sizes. Some districts do not offer middle school sports. Some districts run half as many AP courses,” Dr. LaSusa adds. “Our community has invested in its schools because it values the programs that the district offers and has made the collective choice over time that it is important to provide a rich and robust set of learning opportunities that go beyond the minimum required by the state. We are committed to upholding this investment and this value proposition.”

ROBBINSVILLE’S SITUATION

While PPS has a $743,296 gap to fill, nearby Robbinsville Public Schools needs to make cuts of approximately $2.4 million to balance its budget.

In March, Robbinsville residents voted down a school referendum that would have helped meet the district’s needs. The hope was to get voter approval to exceed the 2% tax levy cap and raise $5,031,476 to avoid budget cuts. In addition, Robbinsville is one of two Mercer County districts seeing its state aid down 3%, the maximum allowable funding decrease.

“We are disappointed by the state’s decision to reduce aid to the Robbinsville Public Schools,” shares Robbinsville Superintendent Dr. Patrick Pizzo. “These cuts, coupled with rising costs and the rejection of the recent referendum, are forcing us to undergo staff reductions and make noticeable cuts to areas such as sports and clubs, courtesy bussing, curriculum programming and technology services to balance the budget. These limitations present several challenges, but I am confident our great team here in Robbinsville will work with what we have to continue delivering well-rounded educations for all of our students.”

At least 60% of the school budget goes to salaries and benefits. On top of numerous staff positions that have been cut in recent years, it is expected at least 20 more classroom teaching positions, and nine student-facing educator roles will be eliminated this year. Some additional support staff positions may also be cut.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

To create its balanced budget, PPS will either have to make cuts or find new streams of revenue. Through attrition, reorganization, or moving staff into different positions, there are attempts being made to cut personnel costs. There is also a keen eye towards eliminating subscription services or memberships that are used for technological and other needs. There is additionally the opportunity to pool resources to help cut costs.

“We have entered into shared service agreements with the municipality in the past, most recently for tech support (this is not currently active). We also routinely enter into shared transportation agreements with other districts to lower transportation costs when we have a student that’s out of district and another district can transport the student for less,” details PPS Board of Education President Dafna Kendal.

PPS has considered pooling healthcare this year. Though our 15% increase is high, neighboring districts are seeing higher increases making it not in the district’s best interest to pool right now.  It is possible that activity fees or facility use fees might need to be adopted to bring in extra revenue.

COSTS OF THE BUDGET

The Governor’s K-12 budget plan still needs to be reviewed by the Senate and Assembly as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget. Changes are unlikely but could be proposed before the budget bill is voted on and finally adopted by June 30^th.

Across Mercer County, Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell Valley Regional, Lawrence, Princeton, Trenton and Mercer County Vocational are expected to see state aid increases. East Windsor, Robbinsville and West Windsor-Plainsboro are all anticipating decreases.

It is the School Funding Reform Act that currently determines a district’s state aid for the year, capping certain categories. According to the NJ Department of Education, “The funding formula is applied uniformly to all districts. Aid fluctuates year to year based on evolving student and community needs, which include the district’s student enrollment, the proportion of low-income students, the number of students with limited English proficiency, and student grade levels.

The formula also considers a district’s ability to support its local schools. This is measured by property value and resident income, which determine the amount the community is expected to contribute to education funding. An increase in property values, a decline in enrollment, or an increase in transportation of students needing special transportation services can affect a school district’s funding amounts.”

It is widely recognized that the current formulas are not sustainable and more must be done. Just three months into office, Sherrill has stated a desire for her administration to “pursue strategies to help control higher costs facing school districts, particularly in employee benefits and healthcare costs, special education services, contracted services, and student transportation.”

While some initial reforms are proposed in the latest budget, more work is expected to modernize state funding levels.

Every April, for nearly 25 years, Communiversity filled the streets of downtown Princeton. Once a wonderful “town and gown” collaboration, bringing residents and their guests out on a beautiful day, it had grown to an overcrowded event with 40,000+ visitors – mostly non-locals. When COVID hit in 2020, it gave the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) a moment to pause and rethink if this was still the best way to share the arts with the community.

ENTER PORCHFEST

In April 2022, Princeton Porchfest had its debut as part of April ARTs – a monthlong collaboration between ACP and Princeton University. The event, like many held in communities across the country, invites neighbors to make their front porches available to local musicians who perform throughout the day. Now entering its fifth year, Princeton Porchfest is anticipating controlled large crowds and lots of amazing music on April 25^th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“Porchfest spreads the love all around Princeton, both physically and metaphorically. Instead of attendees crammed in one location, folks have the freedom to partake however they’d like: go to one porch, hit them all, or meet somewhere in the middle. Grab a bite from a business down on Nassau that doesn’t typically reap the benefits of downtown events,” explains Melissa Kuscin, ACP Director of Programming and Events. “Our very own residents are contributing their homes to make it possible, lending a true homegrown feel to the day. Meet your neighbors. Make a new friend. However you do it, there’s no wrong way to Porchfest.”

With 18 locations on the map this year (available on the website ahead of the event), music will fill the air down Witherspoon Street, on Birch Avenue, across Jefferson Road, Moore Street, Chestnut Street, Linden Lane, Queenston Lane, Aiken Avenue, and Nassau Street. The university is offering up space at Maclean House and new this year, also at Princeton University Art Museum. Palmer Square green and Hinds Plaza will additionally be sites for live sounds. This year, storytelling & poetry will also be performed.

A UNIQUE COMMUNITY EVENT

“This event is a lovely, low-key vibe, right in my hometown that I’m just proud to be a part of,” expresses musician Maria Palmer-Maurer, a singer-songwriter who describes her sound as adult contemporary folk pop. “It’s a personal event — with people right there with you, enjoying the moment and the music. I love sharing my art with my friends who know I write and play and I also love finding new people that appreciate song writing and original music by locals.”

Maria took to the mic for the inaugural event and has been a part of Princeton Porchfest ever since. For this fifth year, she will be performing some of her original songs along with a cover or two people can sing along with. She’ll share her music with guitarist Paul Pessutti, and the duo can be found at 225 Birch Avenue at 1pm.

“I think it’s a beautiful event that brings all styles of music to the community. It connects people in a simple way and gives musicians a space to be authentic. Porchfest has a real celebratory feel and the town is literally ‘humming’ all day long.”

In 2022, Porchfest saw about 500 people in attendance. In 2025, it welcomed more than 3,500. This year, with some enhancements and adjustments, it hopes to grow even more.

ANNUAL EVOLUTIONS

“We’re thrilled to announce our new closing concert location: Hinds Plaza. Triumph will be pouring beer, we’ll be selling limited-edition T-shirts, and there’s a really fun, special schedule: it kicks off with Story & Verse, our poetry & storytelling open mic, followed by DJs from WPRB Princeton spinning a live vinyl set,” Kuscin shares. “A great (new to Porchfest!) alternative act called The Band Palm takes it from there, and to wrap it all up, high-energy, blues/rock band Tony and The Trees will play our closing concert. Every other porch ends at 5pm, and at 5:15 Tony and his gang will take the Hinds Plaza stage for a cumulative set for us all to rock out.”

The streets will be filled with 90 unique acts, including a variety of styles from alternative to blues, classic to hard rock. At 45 Linden Lane, as they have for all Porchfests, the Sourland Mountain String Band will perform at 3pm. A Bluegrass band consisting of Michael Abrams (Banjo), Arleigh V. Closser (Mandolin, Guitar), Stefan Gromoll (Guitar, Fiddle), and Mark Young (Bass), their music features instrumental solos and three-part vocal harmonies.

“It’s a massive showcase for Princeton’s small businesses and the Arts Council’s mission to keep the town’s creative culture accessible. It turns private front porches into public stages, which creates this really unique, welcoming energy you don’t get at a traditional cordoned-off festival,” recalls Arleigh, a member of the Sourland Mountain String Band ensemble. “Imagine walking through the Tree Streets (e.g., “Maple,” “Chestnut,” Linden, Spruce etc.) or over toward the Arts Council and hearing everything from a 40-person choir to a teenage garage band or a professional jazz trio—all within a short walk-block . People bring lawn chairs, kids are on scooters, and neighbors who might only wave from their cars are suddenly sharing a patch of grass and discovering a local artist together. It’s DIY, intimate, and entirely free.”

Whereas towards the end of Communiversity local businesses found the crowds kept business away, Princeton Porchfest’s spread out layout enables more opportunity. This year, music will likely drive traffic to locations like Locomotion and Studio Hillier, both on Witherspoon Street, who have offered up their space for performers. While the word is growing, the hope is this local event will continue to enhance the community.

Arleigh and others love the fact that on this day, the “town and gown” divide seems to disappear, and Princeton is one community.

“Creating an event that feels so Princeton is just a total joy. Residents both contribute porches and take to the streets to participate. Business owners put sandwich boards outside with specials to appeal to music lovers. We partner with the University to feature two stages of student performances,” Kuscin details. “Every age group is represented in both performers and attendees. That’s the power of live music and Porchfest specifically – something for everyone!”

CONTINUED SHOPPING TRADITIONS

For those still missing the vendor-aspect of Communiversity, that will be available one week after Porchfest, when ACP holds its fifth annual Princeton Art Bazaar. Rather than close down much of the town, only Paul Robeson Place will shut to house the vendor booths – where more than 100 are expected to participate. Additionally, a Bazaar Bodega will take place on Hinds Plaza for creations you can eat and drink, studios will be open within ACP for hands-on art making, and a Triumph Beer Garden (with live music) will fill the ACP parking lot.