Schools’ tentative budget calls for higher taxes | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Plus, a local chef weighs in on restaurant reservation scalping.
Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋
The school district passed a tentative budget for next year with job cuts and tax hikes on the table. Here’s what it could mean for you. Also this week, a Cherry Hill chef weighs in on the proposed state legislation to curb so-called restaurant reservation scalping, a local postal carrier was recognized for his bravery, plus, Nana Araba Wilmot scored a moment of redemption on the new season of the Top Chef spinoff.
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Cherry Hill Public Schools approved a tentative budget last week for the 2026-27 school year as it faces a $14.5 million budget deficit.
To compensate, the district is considering a 7.4% property tax increase and eliminating 72 positions, though it hasn’t yet shared where those cuts would come from. Superintendent Kwame Morton is expected to provide more details next week.
The deficit comes from a number of factors, including rising employee healthcare costs and a decrease in state aid.
“We tried to present the most efficient, lean budget possible. We’ve gone through every line,” Morton told The Inquirer’s Melanie Burney. “It’s difficult. It’s challenging.”
Next, the budget heads to the county superintendent for approval or changes.
Read more about where things stand.
💡 Community News
A local postal worker has been recognized for aiding a Cherry Hill family whose house caught fire last April. Kyle Quillen was delivering mail when he said he saw smoke coming from a house and called 911. While waiting for firefighters to arrive, Quillen helped a woman, her baby, and a dog safely escape the house, which was destroyed by the blaze. The National Association of Letter Carriers named him the Eastern Region Hero for his actions at the annual Letter Carrier Heroes of the Year awards last week.
Camden County commissioners, state legislators, and local firefighters gathered last week at the Cherry Hill Fire Department headquarters to celebrate the passing of a state bill that provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with work-related PTSD. The New Jersey First Responders Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act was signed into law in January.
Heads up for drivers: New Jersey American Water is continuing its work on Kresson Road westbound between Cropwell and Springdale Roads, causing a partial closure weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cherry Hill chef Nana Araba Wilmot kept her hopes of returning to Top Chef alive despite being eliminated during last week’s episode. Spinoff series Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen kicked off Monday night, where chefs go head-to-head in elimination challenges in the hopes of earning a single spot to re-enter the main competition. In the season opener, Wilmot prepared a winning seared salmon dish representative of her Ghanaian heritage. See the full episode here.
The average Cherry Hill home value is expected to rise slightly in April, according to data from Zillow. Homes in the 08034 zip code are projected to see the biggest increase at 1.5%, followed by the 08003 zip code at 1.1%, and then the 08002 zip code at 0.8%. (NJ.com)
Two new stores are slated to join the Cherry Hill Mall. Boot and apparel retailer Timberland is taking the space next to Squishable, and Macy’s will replace Bobbi Brown Cosmetics with a dedicated store for luxury makeup brand Tom Ford Beauty. Opening dates haven’t been announced yet. (A View From Evesham)
🏫 Schools Briefing
Spring break kicks off today and continues through Friday. There are several school board committee meetings on Monday. See the district’s calendar here.
Eastside caught up with incoming East principal John Cafagna about some of his goals once he assumes the role on July 1. He told the school paper he wants to lead by listening to student input and hopes to create a monthly roundtable where they can provide feedback, and to address their concerns. He said he also hopes to be a stabilizing figure after recent turnover in the role.
🍽️ On our Plate
The 2026 James Beard Award finalists were announced yesterday and despite Cherry Hill having two semifinalists with local roots, neither made the cut. Russ Cowan of Radin’s Delicatessen was previously shortlisted in the Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic category, while township native Greg Vernick was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Restaurateur category.
Cherry Hill native and the chef-owner behind Collingswood’s Hearthside Dominic Piperno is among those expressing concern over so-called restaurant reservation scalping, where diners can pay third parties for a seat at the table. Last week, New Jersey’s Assembly and Senate unanimously passed a bill that would ban third parties from the practice without a restaurant owner’s permission. It’s now headed to Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s desk.
Dolsot House has one of the best noodle dishes in the Garden State, according to a recent list from NJ.com, which rounded up 25 spots to get the best ramen, pasta, pho, and more. The Marlton Pike eatery also got a nod from BestofNJ.com, which ranks it among the best Korean barbecue spots in the state.
🎳 Things to Do
🛼 Pokémon Go Skate Party: Skate with Pikachu at this themed event. ⏰ Wednesday, April 1, 6-9 p.m. 💵 $6 admission plus $6 skate rental 📍 Hot Wheelz
🥚 Egg Hunt Hayrides: Bring your own basket then take a hayride around the farm to hunt for eggs, which can be redeemed for treats and plants. ⏰ Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 💵 $12, free to kids 1 year and younger 📍 Springdale Farm Market
💃 The Swing Loft Social Dance Party: Practice your modern swing steps and even learn a bit about steals, a version where dancers swap partners, usually on a cue. ⏰ Saturday, April 4, 7-11 p.m. 💵 $20 📍 Storm BDC
🏡 On the Market
Located in Wexford Leas, this four-bedroom home has a classic exterior and a modern interior with hardwood floors throughout. The family room, which has a brick fireplace and window seat, opens onto the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen has a large island, stainless steel appliances, and a built-in wine refrigerator. There’s also a living room on the first floor. All four bedrooms are upstairs, and there’s additional living space in the finished basement. Other features include a two-car garage, a fenced backyard, a patio with a fire pit, and a number of updated utility systems.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $789,500 | Size: 2,689 SF | Acreage: 0.25
🗞️ What other Cherry Hill residents are reading this week:
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