Haddonfield officials say government shutdown has limited local impact so far but could affect federal-site field trips and timing of federal payments

Summary

District staff told the board that federal funds account for roughly 1% of district revenue and that most federal payments already delivered; staff warned that an extended shutdown could affect access to federally run field trip sites (Ellis Island, Liberty Bell) and reminded families about free and reduced-price lunch applications.

District staff updated the board on the potential local effects of a federal government shutdown, saying the district receives about 1% of its revenue from federal sources and that most scheduled federal payments have already been delivered. Staff warned, however, that if a shutdown were to continue into the spring it could affect field trips to federally operated sites.

Why it matters: while the district said the direct fiscal exposure is limited at the moment, the inability to visit federal historic sites or national monuments could disrupt planned educational field trips. Staff urged families to apply for free and reduced‑price lunch if their financial circumstances change.

District staff said the free and reduced‑price lunch application link is available on the district website and that families can apply at any time during the year if their financial situation changes.

Board members asked for clarity about how long a shutdown would have to last to materially affect district operations; staff answered that prolonged shutdowns are most likely to affect field trips and that the immediate payment schedule was not expected to be disrupted for the short term.