:

Continued From Page 1 that changed the funding formula, taking money away from some schools and giving it to others.

The law states that those districts who are not paying their “fair share” of property taxes will have their state aid slashed. Local towns have been fighting to get this funding back.

At the meeting, Superintendent Thomas Farrell explained how reductions will include non-renewal of some non-tenured staff. They hope that retirements and attrition will help reduce to number of layoffs. Nearly 13 position reductions will come from the high schools, nine at the middle schools, five elementary and seven basic skills positions.

These cuts will also greatly impact class sizes, administrators said. Class sizes are set to increase: an average of 23 students in kindergarten, 24 in first grade – with Osbornville Elementary School hitting a high of 32, and an average of 26 or 27 in grades 2 through 5.

Taxes:

Continued From Page 1 budget, which is required before its final adoption by the governing body.

After there were no comments or questions from the audience, the governing body unanimously adopted the 2023 municipal budget.

Mayor Crate, who took office in February after Mayor John Ducey resigned after nine years to take on a new position as a Superior Court Judge, said her first budget as mayor was “a huge endeavor.”

She thanked Township Chief Financial Officer Maureen Laffey-Berg and Business Administrator Joanne Bergin for their “monumental amount of work” in preparing the budget.

During the period of the meeting where elected officials can comment on anything, Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero said everyone should understand that preparing the budget is a year-round effort by the administration and department heads.

“Any major expenditure is really examined in terms of long-term financial cost, and so that’s work all year round,” she said. “I think that the budget is a work of art and a lot of effort, so I want to acknowledge that.”

Copies of the budget are posted on the township website.

In other news, a bid for the Brick Beach 1 food concession stand was awarded to Big Blue Wrap and Roll of Pine Beach in the total amount of $19,100 for three seasons ($6,200 for 2023 season, $6,400 for the 2024 season, and $6,500 for the 2025 season). The contract concludes on September 30, 2025.

Bid notices were provided to 180 prospective bidders, six picked up bid packages and only one bid was received, said Councilwoman Andrea Zapcic.

The next council meeting will be on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m.

For the middle schools, grades 6 and 7 class sizes will average 28 students while grade 8 will average about 25 or 26 students. The average class size at the high schools will be about 25 students.

Additionally, the district’s preschool program is receiving a $5,819,304 grant which will cover about 83% of the program.

Due to the strains on the budget, officials said the curriculum and instruction department will postpone adoption of new programs for the 2023-24 school year.

Where will the money go? Instruction and Benefits make up 63% of all expenditures, up from 61% in 2022-2023, Business Administrator James Edwards said.

Areas that have increased the greatest are Transportation, which is 6.3% of the total – an increase of 16.5%; and Out of District Tuition which is 4.4% of the total – an increase of 10.5%.

“Brick Public Schools do not have an expenditure problem, they have a revenue problem,” Edwards said. “Brick Schools have fallen further and further away from adequacy as the loss of S2 and the lack of ability to raise taxes has continued to impact the district.”

| Suite 305 Toms River, NJ 08755 732-473-1123

1301 Rte 72 | Ste 305 | Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-597-9195

211 W Millstream Road Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 609-758-9595 www.OceanPediatricDental.com

Local Pets Available For Adoption

BRICK – Gigi is the most beautiful girl 10-year-old who loves to talk. Gigi may be ok with a laid-back cat or she would be happy to be the only one. Come for a tour and ask for Gigi. You can view this pet and more at jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org They are located at 185 Brick Boulevard and can be reached at 732-920-1600.

Brick Recreation Softball Opening Day

BRICK – Mayor Lisa Crate, Council President Heather deJong, Council Vice President Andrea Zapcic and Councilwoman Melissa Travers attended Brick Recreation’s Softball Opening Day ceremony.

─Photo courtesy Brick Township

Mayor Crate had the honor of throwing the first pitch.

They wish all the players a great season! Play well, always show good sportsmanship, and most importantly-Have Fun!