Edison residents gathered outside the Board of Education building to protest a 12% school tax increase, despite the abrupt cancellation of the BOE's Monday night meeting.

“This is what democracy really looks like," said resident Nimisha Shukla. “They thought they would cancel the meeting, so all of us will go home and watch Netflix. They don't know us!”

“The leadership is hiding behind the doors when residents are shivering in pain here," said resident Nimesh Dave.

Pain that comes, in part, from state aid reductions - $6 million less over the last two years. Taxpayers of New Jersey’s fifth-largest school district could be asked to help pick up the tab. Residents told News 12 their taxes would go up between $2,000-$3,000.

At the last meeting, administrators said no programs would be cut under this budget, and there wouldn’t be layoffs. Planned spending includes air conditioning for all schools, music equipment and a new K-5 reading program.

The school board said in a statement that they understand the concerns, and this is a preliminary budget. Board reps say they will continue to review spending to minimize the taxpayer impact and are committing to transparency with town halls.

The first one is scheduled next Thursday at J.P. Stevens High School.