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School district sets March 10 vote on $5.03M referendum By BiLL SANserViNO
New Robbinsville Mayor Mike Todd is sworn in by outgoing Mayor Dave Fried at the township’s Jan. 15, 2026 reorganization meeting. He is accompanied by his wife, Gina, and daughters, Alyssa and Caitlyn. (Robbinsville Township photo.)
Mike Todd takes helm as Robbinsville’s next mayor By BiLL SANserViNO
Mike Todd was sworn in Jan. 15 as mayor of Robbinsville Township, marking a leadership transition at the township’s annual government reorganization meeting. Todd, who ran unopposed in November, succeeds longtime Mayor Dave Fried, who
announced last year that he would not seek reelection and presided over Todd’s swearingin ceremony. Todd is only the second directly elected mayor in the township’s history since it changed from a township committee to a mayor-council form of government in 2004. “As Mayor, I’m making a
commitment to listening. Listening to residents, business owners, our seniors, parents, and students,” Todd said in his acceptance speech. “Good government starts with open communication and mutual respect,” he said. “My door will always be open, and your voice will always matSee TODD, Page 4
Robbinsville school officials are continuing a series of in-person community information sessions ahead of a proposed $5.03 million school tax increase that will go before voters in a March 10 special referendum. District officials say the referendum is needed to address a long-standing structural budget deficit driven by rising expenses, limits on state aid, and constraints imposed by New Jersey’s 2% tax levy cap. Board members have cited a projected decline of about $300,000 in state aid combined with the levy cap as key factors contributing to an annual operating shortfall of roughly $1.7 million. Over time, that gap has compounded into nearly $23 million in foregone revenue, according to board discussions. Superintendent Patrick Pizzo has said the district is now facing a critical funding crossroads. “Our number one priority in the lead up to this vote is transparent, clear communication,” Pizzo said. “We are here to answer any questions to ensure all Robbinsville residents are fully informed
for the March 10 vote.” Evening information sessions will be held on Tuesdays, excluding regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings, and will include a brief presentation followed by community discussion. All sessions are in person. An evening session is scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 at Sharon Elementary School, followed by meetings at the same times on Feb. 10 at Pond Road Middle School and Feb. 19 at Robbinsville High School. In addition to evening meetings, the district is hosting informal daytime collaborative discussions. These sessions will offer parents and community members an opportunity to speak directly with building administrators about the potential impact of the referendum on individual schools. These sessions are scheduled for Feb. 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Sharon Elementary School cafeteria; Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Pond Road Middle School media center; and Feb. 19 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Robbinsville High School in Room M105. Information and RSVP forms are available atrobbinsvillek12.gov/9040. See SCHOOLS, Page 9
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