School Cuts 64 Positions Due To Budget

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – The Township School District will see the loss of 64 positions through its tentative $165,790,499 budget for the 2023-24 school year adopted during a special Board of Education meeting.

Business Administrator Michelle Richardson explained, “this year’s budget contains a general fund tax levy increase of 2% which is the cap that the state allows.” This will translate into a $2 increase for the owner of the average home assessed at $330,688. The tentative school rate is $1.4203 per $100 of assessed home value.

The loss in staff is in addition to the 151.5 staff reduction already realized in the last five years - bringing the total loss to 215 positions.

“That is a reduction across all staffing. We reduced yet again, our school budgets and put on pause any Tier 1 capital improvement projects unless they are related to safety. We’ve reduced much needed upgrades to our technology department. Due to the reduction

(School - See Page 8)

Township Hires

its

(Inset): Librarian assistant Alec

By Bob Vosseller

part of the Jackson Library’s Sensory Space. will now offer a special environment for patrons who have developmental disabilities.

Similar to the one in the Toms River library, sensory spaces provide a calm, relaxing atmosphere designed to relieve stress and anxiety. The equipment in both spaces is visually stimulating and tactile, soothing and (Library - See Page 4)

Local WWII Hero

Honored In Biography

By Mark Bator

New Police Officer

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – The most recent Township Council meeting started off with the swearing in of a lifelong township resident as the newest member of the Jackson Police Department.

Police Chief Matthew signed to help kids with special needs learn sports of soccer and basketball.”

TOMS

RIVER

- The extraordinary life and times of an under-appreciated World War II hero was the subject of a question-and-answer session with author Steven M. Gillon at the George P. Vanderveer American Legion Post 129. Gillon, a history professor at the Uni - versity of Oklahoma, entertained those in attendance and provided insight regarding his latest book, “Len Lomell: D-Day Hero.”

In addition to Lomell’s wife, Renee, many of those in attendance had known Lomell personally. So, in addition to the information imparted by the author, numerous friends and acquaintances of the local hero took the opportunity to share their recollections at the well-attended event. Lomell had been a member of American Legion Post 129 and had run his law practice in Toms River, as well. Lomell was drafted (Hero - See Page 5)

D. Kunz introduced Charles “CJ” Hanson to the governing body and public and Township Clerk Mary Moss swore him in.

The chief noted that the new hire had been very active within the community. “He was a mentoring buddy for Challenger Sports which is a Jackson Township program de -

Hanson attended high school in Holmdel and graduated in 2019 and received multiple varsity letters in the sports of lacrosse and football and was captain of both teams. “He was a mentor for Heroes and Cool Kids, volunteering his time to help less fortunate individuals. He graduated high school with academic honors, numerous awards of achievement and was offered numerous athletic scholarships,” the chief said.

(Police - See Page 9)

Library