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School: Continued From Page 6 increased tax dollars for education,” he said.

“Our superintendent and Board of Education are now faced with cutting extracurricular programs and staff, like our excellent athletic programs. The 2022 Toms River North Mariners were the first football team in the history of New Jersey to go 14-0 while winning the State Class 5 Championship, setting the all-time scoring record and finishing No. 3 in the state - the highest ranking of any New Jersey public high school. The majority of the players are returning for the 2023 season and the cuts could affect the coaching staff. Neither Superintendent Mike Citta or I want to see that happen as it penalizes these student athletes,” he said.

“I don’t believe that this is what you intended when you passed S-2. But S-2 doesn’t work and it is driving good school districts to the brink of bankruptcy,” he said. “This problem cannot be solved by increasing property taxes. The district is constitutionally prohibited from raising property taxes by more than 2% to meet the thorough and efficient threshold, even if the taxpayers consented via referendum because thorough and efficient is prohibited from being put to referendum.”

Another factor in the funding formula is enrollment. Schools that were losing students were losing aid.

According to district figures, there were 15,622 students in the 2017-2018 school year, just before S-2 went into effect. The projected enrollment for 2023-2024 is 14,764. This represents a 5.5% decrease in enrollment lined up with a 55% decrease in state aid.

The aid in 2017-2018 was $68.3 million and next year, if nothing changes, it will

What is a “Mom & Pop” Business?

A small, independent, family owned, controlled and operated business. It has a small amount of business volume. It is not franchised.

“ Open for business in a single location.”

So if your “Mom or Pop” need the services of rehabilitation and nursing services, it just makes sense to go to a “Mom & Pop.” be $31 million.

One thing that the enrollment doesn’t take into account is that not all students need the same amount of help. There were 170 students in 2017-2018 who had English as a second language, compared to 652 today and 573 projected for 2023-2024.

In 2017-2018, there were 4,511 students who qualified for free and reduced lunch programs. That is expected to grow to 4,760 for 2023-2024.

In 2017-2018, there were 2,310 special education students. That is expected to grow to 2,625 in 2023-2024.

“Enrollment is a key factor of the S-2 formula, as it should be,” Hill said. “Toms River’s enrollment declined, especially after Superstorm Sandy. We were ground zero of Sandy. Here we are 11 years later and we are still recovering, but we are almost fully recovered and we are more resilient. Our enrollment is starting to grow and we have an influx of ELL and SE students enrolling in the district.”

“Toms River Regional is one of the most efficient of the thorough and efficient districts in the state. We spend less than $14,000 per student. Our graduation rate is 93% and our test scores are high. We receive a little over $2,200 per student (in aid) while districts smaller than ours receive between $35-40,000 per student,” Hill said.

“I encourage you to reform the education formula which has left our district with a structural deficit. We have no way to legally close the gap,” he said. “New Jersey needs a school funding formula that is transparent, easy to understand, and that is fair to all children and communities in the state.”

He also thanked Senator Vin Gopal, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, for the work he has done with Superintendent Michael Citta as well as township staff. Gopal, a Democrat, was thanked for working across the aisle and sponsoring this bill.

A Starry Night Art Auction & Reception

TOMS RIVER – A Starry Night Art

Auction & Reception on June 8 to benefit Ocean’s Harbor House. They are a non-profit organization celebrating 35 years of service in providing shelter, support and services for homeless and vulnerable youth throughout the region.

This festive and celebratory event will be held outdoors at the John F. Peto Studio in Island Heights with art displayed throughout the beautiful grounds.

and Stephan Leone. Judi served on the Ocean’s Harbor House Board of Directors and has been an ardent supporter of our mission. Stephan is a founding partner of Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Doyle & Sacks, LLC and has served in various capacities of civic and professional organizations.

Executive Chef Mike Jurusz of AGB in Seaside Park is graciously providing a palette of savory delights and libations. Plus, guests will be treated to musical performances provided by the Zzak G. AOK Performance Group.

Here is a picture of a true “Mom & Pop” business: 1579 Old Freehold Rd. Toms River, NJ 08753 732-505-4477

This annual event features art created by our kids as part of the art therapy program. Guests can bid on the kid’s art plus art donated by local artists.

Honorees for the evening are Judi nursing and rehabilitation center www.rosegardennj.com

For information on sponsorships and tickets, go to oceansharborhouse.org.

JBJ Soul Kitchen Golf Outing

TOMS RIVER – Join JBJ Soul Kitchen for their 6th Annual Mulligans for Meals Golf Outing on June 12 at Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colts Neck for a day of golf & fun to support JBJ Soul Kitchen’s mission to help alleviate hunger. Become a sponsor, register for a foursome, or register for a single player – various opportunities to participate and give back to the community!

To learn more or to register, visit: jbjsoulkitchen.org/golf-outing-2023.